2013 Dodge Durango 3.6L V6 8AT RWD (290 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Dodge discontinued the second generation of the Durango in 2009, and customers were kept waiting until late 2010 when the American brand introduced the third generation of this model.

Those were some of the most challenging years for the American car industry due to the world financial crisis, and Chrysler was afraid to launch an expensive SUV. Still, it took the decision to make the step and introduced the third generation of the Durango in December 2010, with deliveries starting at the beginning of 2011. Two years later, in 2013, the automaker unveiled a refreshed version of the Durango at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

While the Durango’s second generation looked more like a bad boy, the third iteration of this nameplate came with a new, family-oriented approach. The front fascia boasted the brand’s specific cross-hair trim on the grille. In addition, the streamlined headlights were underlined by integrated LED daytime running lights, creating an upscale image for the car. Thanks to the unibody platform, the third generation of the Durango featured a lower greenhouse. Also noticeable on the side of the SUV were the enlarged rear fenders, which made the car look more muscular. For the upper trim levels, such as the R/T and SR/T, the automaker offered different aerodynamic packages with more aggressive-looking bumpers and grilles. Finally, at the back, the 2014 model year came with redesigned, single-line LED taillights.

Dodge made the third generation of the Durango with three rows of seats where up to seven adults could fit comfortably. While this was not new for a Dodge, the materials’ quality on the inside was significantly improved over the Durango’s second generation. A two-tone dashboard and better plastics for it were available, and the door cards were no longer made just with hard plastic areas. As expected, the lower grades came with fabric upholstery, but the upper ones provided luxurious leather-wrapped cabins. Fronting the driver was a new instrument TFT display for the instrument cluster. In addition, Dodge offered an infotainment unit with a color touchscreen and backup camera on the center stack. As expected, the front and second rows provided plenty of room for passengers, but even in the third row, there was enough legroom and headroom for adult-sized passengers. The trunk area was not impressive with all the seats up, but with the second and third rows folded, the Durango offered as much space as a minivan.

Dodge offered the Durango with either V6 or V8 engines, ranging between 290 HP (294 PS) and 360 HP (365 PS), paired with a new, eight-speed automatic transmission that drastically improved fuel efficiency over the model launched in 2010. Power went to the rear or in all corners, depending on the options.