Pentastar V6 smooth but not gutsy
My tester was equipped with Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 engine. Displacing 3.6L, the powerplant utilizes variable valve timing to develop 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm.
Those figures tell us that this engine needs to rev to find its full grit, and that becomes apparent when driving the V6-powered Durango. For about-town cruising, the V6 mill is capable and confident but it doesn’t show much mettle prior to 4,000 rpm, and even then it’s a bit tepid. Some drivers may wish for more grunt underfoot, especially when passing slower traffic.
Despite its low-rpm mediocrity, the Pentastar is an impressive engine. It’s highly refined and it’s notably fuel-efficient, according to official ratings, which roll out like this: 13.0L/100km and 8.9L/100km, city and highway driving respectively.
When evaluating those figures, bear in mind that we’re talking about propelling a luxurious, all-wheel drive, 7-passenger SUV that tips the scale in excess of 2,300 kg (5,097 lbs), and is capable of towing up to 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs).
For those with a penchant for more gusto and greater towing capacity, the Durango is available with Chrysler’s world-renowned 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. This engine also benefits from variable valve timing while pumping out 360 hp @ 5,150 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm.
Both engines are fused to a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring an electronic manual-mode function. Overall, the transmission performed flawlessly during my testing. I suspect that Chrysler’s new 8-speed autobox is somewhere in the Durango’s future. The extra three cogs would definitely aid the Pentastar in delivering livelier acceleration and stronger hill-climbing performance.
If one’s Durango is intended for off-road excursions, it can be optioned with a full set of skid plates. Due to the absence of low-range gearing and downhill decent control, the Durango should only be considered a light-duty off-roader.
My tester was equipped with Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 engine. Displacing 3.6L, the powerplant utilizes variable valve timing to develop 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm.
Those figures tell us that this engine needs to rev to find its full grit, and that becomes apparent when driving the V6-powered Durango. For about-town cruising, the V6 mill is capable and confident but it doesn’t show much mettle prior to 4,000 rpm, and even then it’s a bit tepid. Some drivers may wish for more grunt underfoot, especially when passing slower traffic.
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| Displacing 3.6L, the powerplant utilizes variable valve timing to develop 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Despite its low-rpm mediocrity, the Pentastar is an impressive engine. It’s highly refined and it’s notably fuel-efficient, according to official ratings, which roll out like this: 13.0L/100km and 8.9L/100km, city and highway driving respectively.
When evaluating those figures, bear in mind that we’re talking about propelling a luxurious, all-wheel drive, 7-passenger SUV that tips the scale in excess of 2,300 kg (5,097 lbs), and is capable of towing up to 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs).
For those with a penchant for more gusto and greater towing capacity, the Durango is available with Chrysler’s world-renowned 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. This engine also benefits from variable valve timing while pumping out 360 hp @ 5,150 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm.
Both engines are fused to a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring an electronic manual-mode function. Overall, the transmission performed flawlessly during my testing. I suspect that Chrysler’s new 8-speed autobox is somewhere in the Durango’s future. The extra three cogs would definitely aid the Pentastar in delivering livelier acceleration and stronger hill-climbing performance.
If one’s Durango is intended for off-road excursions, it can be optioned with a full set of skid plates. Due to the absence of low-range gearing and downhill decent control, the Durango should only be considered a light-duty off-roader.
 |
| We’re talking about propelling a luxurious, all-wheel drive, 7-passenger SUV that tips the scale in excess of 2,300 kg (5,097 lbs), and is capable of towing up to 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs). (Photo: Dodge) |