Dodge’s large 7-passenger crossover is getting a makeover for 2014, and this Chrysler division is showing it off at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
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2014 Durango
On the outside, the vehicle doesn’t change a whole lot. The wrap-around rear taillights are new, and the front fascia gets a tweak. The updates are more substantive on the interior, highlighted by a new instrument panel and reworked audio/climate/infotainment interface that sports up to an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Durango’s roster sees some tweaks as well. Base SXT, top-line Citadel, and performance-minded R/T models return. For 2014, the new Limited version replaces last year’s Crew. Another sporty model, called Rallye, joins the lineup, and it slots between the SXT and Limited.
Engines largely carry over. Standard on the SXT, Rallye, Limited, and Citadel is Chrysler’s “Pentastar” 3.6-liter V6. In the SXT, Limited, and Citadel, it produces 290 horsepower. The Rallye gets a small bump to 295 on account of a freer-flowing exhaust. Standard on the R/T and optional on the Limited and Citadel is Chrysler’s 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, which includes cylinder deactivation as a fuel-saving measure. New for 2014, all Durango models get an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional across the board. Maximum towing capacity remains tops among crossovers at 6,200 pounds with the V6 and 7,400 pounds with the V8.
Among the available features for the 2014 Durango are heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 2nd-row captain’s chairs, and a rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system. Safety items can include blind-spot alert, forward-collision warning, and automatic crash notification via Chrysler’s Uconnect Access service.
The 2014 Dodge Durango goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.
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CG Says: Durango, at least in V6 form, is a favorite among the staff at Consumer Guide. Though not what you’d call quick, the drivetrain is smooth and refined and provides outstanding driving range for a vehicle as large as it is. Combine this with a wide array of comfort, convenience, and safety features as well as an accommodating cabin, and you can see why we had an easy time making Durango a CG Best Buy in the large-SUV class. The freshened 2014 model looks like it will only improve upon the outgoing model’s already solid credentials. We’re especially eager to see how the new 8-speed transmission impacts fuel economy. Stay tuned for our full report.
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