And on that topic, big isn't really in anymore, at least not in SUV form. As I write this line, I smirk thinking that Chrysler was well aware of this years ago when they began designing the new Durango. Previously, the Durango was a full-size SUV built on a ladder-type frame. In 2011, the big badass Durango is a friendly-neighbourhood CUV with steel unibody construction...
Even if it has dropped the SUV moniker, the Dodge remains the most imposing and SUV-like in its category, which consists of the new Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander. Of the lot, the Nissan may be the second most rugged-looking. Either way, the Durango is certainly one of the most, if not the most, appealing.
Chrysler came out swinging in 2011. The near entirety of its line-up has been severely reviewed or completely revamped. Over the last little while, I've sampled nearly every product and it is clearly obvious where the company has invested the larger sums of money.
The Durango, along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, have much in common and have received massive amounts of attention. It shows.
The new truck, sorry, crossover, is an extremely well-executed example of what Ralph Gilles and his crew can do. The Durango is unmistakeably a Dodge, thanks to its massive crosshair grille, chromed in my Citadel's case. Also notable is its coke-bottle shape, which may or may not please depending on the angle at which the vehicle is being considered.
I'm going to raise a little flag here on Chrysler’s annoying habit of chrome-cladding all their wheels: it's just cheap. Furthermore, Chrysler has extensive experience in wheel design and the Citadel's plain 5-spoke style is a little of a letdown. Rant done.
Much unlike the Durango's exterior might suggest, the truck is impressively civil. In fact, the new Dodge is a huge step forward in NVH reduction for Chrysler. I swear, they must have caulked and re-caulked all the seams, double-welded every joint and foam-insulated all remaining gaps. The Durango is quieter than the Town & Country and Avenger I've recently driven.
The cabin is good. Dash design and material cannot be on the receiving end of any criticism, lest all other manufacturers have fingers pointed at and negative comments thrown at. Although large, the seats are very firm; you really get the impression that you are sitting on as opposed to in them. I blame it on the leather.
Even if it has dropped the SUV moniker, the Dodge remains the most imposing and SUV-like in its category, which consists of the new Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander. Of the lot, the Nissan may be the second most rugged-looking. Either way, the Durango is certainly one of the most, if not the most, appealing.
 |
| The Durango, along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, have much in common and have received massive amounts of attention. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Chrysler came out swinging in 2011. The near entirety of its line-up has been severely reviewed or completely revamped. Over the last little while, I've sampled nearly every product and it is clearly obvious where the company has invested the larger sums of money.
The Durango, along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, have much in common and have received massive amounts of attention. It shows.
The new truck, sorry, crossover, is an extremely well-executed example of what Ralph Gilles and his crew can do. The Durango is unmistakeably a Dodge, thanks to its massive crosshair grille, chromed in my Citadel's case. Also notable is its coke-bottle shape, which may or may not please depending on the angle at which the vehicle is being considered.
I'm going to raise a little flag here on Chrysler’s annoying habit of chrome-cladding all their wheels: it's just cheap. Furthermore, Chrysler has extensive experience in wheel design and the Citadel's plain 5-spoke style is a little of a letdown. Rant done.
Much unlike the Durango's exterior might suggest, the truck is impressively civil. In fact, the new Dodge is a huge step forward in NVH reduction for Chrysler. I swear, they must have caulked and re-caulked all the seams, double-welded every joint and foam-insulated all remaining gaps. The Durango is quieter than the Town & Country and Avenger I've recently driven.
The cabin is good. Dash design and material cannot be on the receiving end of any criticism, lest all other manufacturers have fingers pointed at and negative comments thrown at. Although large, the seats are very firm; you really get the impression that you are sitting on as opposed to in them. I blame it on the leather.
 |
| The cabin is good. Dash design and material cannot be on the receiving end of any criticism. (Photo: Dodge) |