2005 Dodge Durango Limited 4x4 Review & Test Drive

The new Dodge Durango is a well-designed, well-built light duty truck capable of transporting seven people almost anywhere in surprisingly comfortable, almost luxurious surroundings. A 3.7L V-6 comes standard with the base model ST. Two V-8s are available with the Limited – the familiar 4.7L and a new 5.7L. With the 5.7L, hemi V-8 option, the two and a half ton Durango moves off like a sports sedan. MSRP $33,470; Warranty (basic) 3yrs/36,000 miles; 7yrs/70,000 miles (powertrain).

First Glance

This latest Durango introduced in 2004 bears a family resemblance to the previous generation Durango. However, it’s much larger and shares not a single panel with its ancestor. The most obvious difference between the two is the new one’s much shorter A-box (the section from the windshield forward). In fact, this resembles the forward section of Freightliner’s new line of 3-ton trucks. Freightliner – a fabled name in American highway lore – was purchased by DaimlerChrysler a number of years ago so this comes as no surprise. This new design also conserves space, which permits a 3rd row of relatively accessible seating. As well, it allows the front bumper to be mounted sufficiently low on the vehicle to conform to the upcoming US regulations designed to prevent SUVs from overriding car bumpers in a collision. The rear bumper is also set somewhat lower but still not (by my eyeball test) at the height of standard car bumpers. The new, extra-stiff and precisely engineered hydro-formed frame is unique to the new Durango. Besides a better ride and handling, extra stiffness means the body panels line up more evenly. The Durango has been widely praised for its improved handling and well-designed and built interior.

In the Driver’s Seat

It’s obvious that a great deal of care has been taken with the interior. You don’t have to look too deeply to see the influence of Stuttgart. The seams are tight and the materials of very high quality. The ergonomics work well too – much better than the previous generation’s. All the luxuries all of us now expect in our automobiles can also be had with this truck – a powerhouse sound system, a rear seat DVD-entertainment system and a Navigation system. Excellent sound insulation means your passengers shouldn’t be too distracted by road or wind noise. DaimlerChrysler designers and engineers have begun to pay a great deal of attention to the total quality of the ride experienced by rear passengers. Seating in both the 2nd and 3rd rows is theatre-style. Most adult passengers should be able to see much of the road ahead through the windshield. For carrying bulky or long loads, the two rear rows of seating fold. The 3rd row folds flat into the floor and the 2nd row folds up and out of way. Both rows can be moved very easily. There is no need to remove the seats from the vehicle to gain extra floor space storage. Side supplemental air bags are a low cost option. We think they should be standard equipment.

On the Road

We tested the Durango with the optional new 5.7L Hemi V-8 producing 335hp and 370lb-ft of torque. It provided the immense Durango with ‘60s muscle car-like acceleration. The standard smooth shifting 5-speed automatic beautifully complements the Hemi. Pity, though, that the innovative multi-displacement system (MDS) available on the Hemi in the 300C and Dodge Magnum is not available in the Durango. MDS detects when less power is needed – in normal city and highway driving, for example – and automatically (and completely seamlessly) shuts down four of the eight cylinders. It was explained to me that the sheer bulk of the Durango (combined with gearing to provide now required sports sedan-like acceleration) means that even the massive Hemi engine has to work hard most of the time. Fuel economy is, as expected given the Durango’s weight and shape, not great. However, in real world driving it should be better than the previous generation Durango with the 5.9L V-8. Come to think of it, anything would be better than that pig. A couple of other points: The Durango handles the curves exceptionally well for such a tall vehicle and it has a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs (with the 5.92 rear end). This should be a great tow vehicle too.

Journey’s End

While most SUVs are targeted to women drivers, the Durango will likely attract men. There’s nothing cutesy about its shape or its bulk. This is a full size working truck. For someone who has a genuine need for a large, powerful truck, the Durango is an excellent choice. If mom’s just going to use it for hauling the kids to the mall, forget it. It’s expensive to operate and bulky to maneuver - even though it has a welcome, very low diameter turning radius. Because of its sheer size, getting it into a tight parking space can be a chore, however. While attention has been paid to aerodynamics, it is impossible to disguise the Durango’s bulk. This is reflected inevitably in the fuel economy. Frankly, a vehicle this size really should have a diesel engine under the hood. Chrysler offers the rugged Cummins turbodiesel as an option but this truck engine does not really mesh with the urban-type uses to which most Durango purchasers will put their vehicles. One of Mercedes-Benz’ superb common rail diesel injection (CDI) engines from Europe would be much more appropriate. These engines are quiet, smooth and very fuel-efficient. They’re also designed to be able to cope with the weight of a (heavy) light truck like the Durango.