Test drive the 2021 Dodge Durango. Reviews, videos, expert opinion on

Appearance

America’s largest SUV for 2021 comes with a brand new look that takes it to the next level. It is expected that the model will compete with most off-road vehicles available on the market. The exterior of the body has changed a lot, so the novelty looks as fresh and solid as possible, attracting attention from the audience.

The updated body emphasizes the classic style of the American automaker. He has a large number of small accents and details that “migrated” from other representatives of the model range. Among them:

• head optics headlights;
• air intakes;
• glazing;
• rear-view mirrors and other exterior design elements.

However, the 2021 Dodge Durango also has authentic parts created specifically for this model. They give the exterior of the 5.1-meter giant additional menacingness and expressiveness against the background of other SUVs.

The front of the car looks especially aggressive and solid. It is planted at a sufficiently high height, practically without any slope. In addition, the front of the car is elongated, which negatively affects visibility and requires some driving experience. However, the problem is partially solved by high front seats that support flexible height adjustments.

The appearance of the “muzzle” does not cause conflicting opinions – it looks chic. The design of this part begins with a long hood with slight relief transitions in height, which are stripes. On the one hand, they stick out, and on the other, they go deep into the hood.

Behind the hood is an unusual air intake with a chrome frame. Under it, you can see a fine black mesh and nameplates with the model’s logo.

Aggressive headlights are placed on both sides of the structure, which, regardless of the configuration, receive LED filling. Such a kit contributes to high-quality illumination of the road surface at any time of the day and under any weather conditions. This is where the distinctive features of the front bumper end.

The next element that attracts the attention of the audience is a massive body kit that bulges slightly outwards. It is covered with many wave-like inserts, has an additional trapezoidal air intake and several embossed recesses on the sides. Their configuration and dimensions are determined by the modification of the vehicle.

The recesses can be equipped with chrome-plated fog lights or grilles for air supply to the brake system and under the hood in order to effectively cool the engine and other important components.

If from the front projection the car looks aggressive and formidable, then the side part retains a solid and restrained design. At the top of the profile, you can see a long and massive strip of glazing, which is divided into parts and framed by thin black lines. Near the front windows are large rear-view mirrors, which have the shape of a square. These parts can repeat the color of the body, be glossy or chrome.

In addition, taking into account the version of the car, turn signal repeaters may be present on the mirrors. On the main part of the body there are slight waves, and below – large wheel arches with expanders and sills.

The stern of the 2021 Dodge Durango echoes the classic styling of the lineup. It has an almost square configuration and is planted at right angles to the road surface. And the manufacturers took the main part of the back surface under the door. Its design is emphasized by a branded visor without tilt. Then you can see the large glass of the luggage compartment in a rectangular shape. Behind it are headlights of dimensions, interconnected by a strip of stop signals.

Under the optics there is a platform for the license plate. The remaining elements of the door are decorated with embossed accents and chrome plating. The body kit under the stern is quite massive, but without any special decorations. All that catches your eye is a diffuser in gloss black and two exhaust pipes.

Modifications of the Dodge Durango 2021 SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat differ from conventional versions only in body design. They can be identified by an unusual splitter integrated into the front bumper that has been tested in a wind tunnel. In addition, the Hellcat has a massive mesh grille and bumper with cut-outs where the fog lamps are located.

Customers can choose from 11 body color variations and 3 design packages:

• blacktop;
• SRT Black;
• SRT Platinum.

Contrasting stripes in the central part are available in two color options. Regular 20-inch wheels are equipped with Pirelli Scorpion or Pirelli P-Zero tires with a dimension of 295/45 R20.

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Salon

The Durango has five seats in its standard configuration. The third row is optional on base models and standard on other trims, bringing the seating capacity to seven. Among other things, models with three rows can be ordered with second-row captain’s chairs, but then the number of seats is reduced to six. The first and second row seats are suitable for long journeys. The last row is easy to get to and is suitable for adult passengers. If desired, the seats can be supplemented with heating and ventilation in the front and heating in the middle. There are many upholstery options. The quality of finishing materials varies from satisfactory in entry-level models to very high in top-end models. Meanwhile, almost a decade without updates hasn’t helped, rivals have a more modern and refined design. It is not worth writing off the SUV from the accounts. The 2020 models guarantee an easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system. The touch screen ranges from 7.0 inches in base models to 8.4 inches in top models. Conventional buttons are offered as an alternative to the touch surface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps are standard on all Durangos. For variety, consider a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, DVD entertainment system, and satellite radio. Cargo volume is 481 liters behind the third row, which can be folded up to 1217 liters. The maximum volume is limited to 2407 liters.

Dodge Durango or Jeep Grand Cherokee

Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are products of Fiat Chrysler. As such, they have several pluses: the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, a range of powerful engines, and excellent towing capacity. As for Jeep, its lineup ends with the Trackhawk version and the 707-horsepower Hellcat engine. Both options are good choices for an SUV, but their differences will likely influence your decision. The Jeep has less cargo space than the Dodge, but it also provides great off-road capability and on-road handling. Whether you’re looking for a large cargo area, high towing capacity, or cutting-edge infotainment features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the Dodge Durango is the way to go.

Specifications

The Dodge Durango comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horses with a single exhaust or 295 horses with an available dual exhaust. Most drivers who don’t care too much about performance will probably find the V6 to be just fine. It may feel underpowered under hard acceleration or with a full load of people or cargo on board, but the standard eight-speed automatic transmission provides intelligent and timely shifting to maximize engine power.

Anyone who wants something more than a daily commute should consider one of the optional Durango V8 powertrains. A good compromise in the middle of the lineup is the 5.7-liter Hemi, which puts out 360 hp. You’ll find it under the hood of every Durango R/T.

Next comes the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which develops 475 hp. This is the heart of the SRT package. The Durango SRT offers incredible acceleration and features enhanced features such as launch control and special drive modes. According to Dodge, the Durango SRT 392 can hit 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

The absolute king of the Durango range is the SRT Hellcat. Its engine is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which has already proven itself in the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models.

The Durango Hellcat has a whopping 710 hp hidden away. This makes the model the most powerful serial SUV ever. The Dodge Durango car in this configuration is capable of gaining 100 km / h in 3.5 seconds and developing a maximum of 290 km / h.

The Durango delivers better fuel economy with a standard rear-wheel drive V6 engine of 10.2L/100km. New for 2021, the Dodge Durango Hellcat shows fuel consumption of around 16.8 l/100 km.

This Dodge has the highest towing capacity in its class. Models with a base V6 engine can tow up to 2,812kg, about 450kg more than most other midsize SUVs. Impressively, the Durango’s towing ability improves with higher trim levels.

New for 2021 is an optional Tow N Go package that increases the capacity of the 5.7-liter R/T to a class-leading 3,945kg. This number is equal to the maximum towing capacity of the SRT 392 and Dodge Durango Hellcat models.

The Durango offers better maximum towing capacity than any compact pickup. In addition, it can pull more weight than many full-size pickups in base trim levels.

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