2011 Dodge Durango Revealed

The Dodge Durango returns in model-year 2011, moving to the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform. Due to begin production in November 2010, the new 2011 Dodge Durango will have a 119.8 inch wheelbase, several inches longer than the new Grand Cherokee.

The lineup starts with the well-equipped Express model, and quickly moves to Durango Crew, which has remote start, rear backup camera, memory seats, and power liftgate. The CrewLux option package includes 20 inch wheels, heated leather seats (first and second rows), Garmin navigation system, and other features. The R/T version has a sport suspension (with 20 mm lower ride height), 20 inch performance tires, unique interior, and monochromatic exterior, with optional performance summer tires. Finally, the top end is the Durango Citadel, with heated and ventilated seats covered in perforated Nappa leather, visible stitching, chrome-plated wheels, blind spot monitor, high intensity discharge lights, and a unique chrome grille, along with other items.

Options include sunroof, engine block heater, roof rack with integrated, stowable crossbars, trailer towing package, skid plate group, and electronics group (including rear backup camera, rear parking assist, USB port, and upgraded radio). Options that require a particular model include Travel Link, rain sensitive wipers, tilt and telescope steering column, SmartBeam® headlamps, back seat television, forward collision warning, rear cross path detection, adaptive cruise control, hard drive based stereo, Capri leather with embroidered logo, eight-way power driver and passenger seats, and signal mirrors. 

Engines include the new 3.6L Pentastar (with the Mercedes W5A580 5-speed auto trans) and the 5.7L VVT Hemi (with the proven Chrysler 545RFE five-speed transmission). The 3.6 is rated at 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm; and 260 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm. Estimated EPA gas mileage is 16/23 (rear wheel drive) and 16/22 (all wheel drive). With the Hemi, power is rated at 360 hp, and 390 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm; gas mileage is expected to be 14/20 (RWD) or 13/20 (AWD), with up to 7,400 lb of trailer towing with rear wheel drive.

The new Durango has 28 different seating configurations, with up to 85 cubic feet of cargo and storage areas. With second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Durango can fit a 6-foot couch with room for a coffee table, or enough 10-foot 2x4s to build a tree house. Visibility over the third row was achieved by creating a button to drop the headrests when the third row is not in use.

As expected, the Durango will have an optional Hemi V8 providing up to 7,400 pounds of towing, while the standard V6 provides best-in-class V6 towing at 6,200 pounds; both have standard trailer sway control, and both engines have variable valve timing and are available with all wheel drive.

Benchmarked against premium performance SUVs, Durango has a unibody structure consisting of 52% advanced, high-strength steels; it integrates the suspension with the body, reducing flex when compared with the previous body-on-frame design. More than 5,500 welds and more than 4,100 mm of arc welding contribute to torsional stiffness levels greater than the Mercedes-Benz GL. Every path that leads to the interior is sealed in one or more ways and joints are made as tight as possible by using sealer between panels, which expands during the paint process. A double wall separates the engine bay and the cabin to limit the noise.

The new short/long arm front suspension and isolated multi-link rear suspension features isolated front and rear cradles for improved on-road handling and comfort. Aggressive shock and spring rates and large sway bars handle body roll in hard turning. Available electro-hydraulic performance steering and standard electronic stability control contribute to grip and stability.

Standard safety features include standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, active head restraints and Electronic Stability Control; options include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Keyless Enter-n' Go.

Seating configurations will be for five or seven passengers. The front passenger seat can be folded flat, the second row will have a 60/40 fold and tumble seat, and the third row seat will include headrests that can be lowered by the driver for a better rear view. The new Magnum will also be available without the third row seat if desired.

 As would be expected, the new Durango will share a lot of the equipment and options featured on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, including upgraded premium interiors. Features (some optional) will include:

• the new Alpine premium audio system with 9 speakers and subwoofer, and optional Garmin navigation
• active head restraints, HID headlamps, rear cross path protection, and power liftgate
• dual rear exhaust (Hemi models)
• Hill Start Assist, Proximity Keyless Entry and push button start

• See More at Dodge.com

The 2011 Dodge Durango is performance-tuned to be a driver's SUV

World-class handling with intelligent, powerful and fuel-efficient engines, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango delivers driving excitement and refinement combined with the interior flexibility of a three-row SUV

Both Pentastar V-6 and HEMI™ V-8 engines offer best-in-class towing

Chicago , Feb 9, 2011 -

The all-new Dodge Durango is a winner of MotorWeek's 2011 Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility. Every year for the last 30 years, MotorWeek has reviewed the state of the automotive business and judged the best new trucks of the year. Dodge Brand President and CEO accepted the award for the new Durango at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show today.

"The Dodge team is truly honored that MotorWeek has selected the Dodge Durango for a Drivers' Choice Award," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. 'The Durango represents where the Dodge brand is going with its six new or refreshed products for 2011 -- striking vehicles that are thoroughly engineered and fun to drive. It's always rewarding when third party sources recognize that we're creating quality products that will delight our customers."

The annual Drivers? Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer?s point of view. Scoring takes into account trends, innovations, value and reliability to produce a list of winners that makes sense and can be used as a practical guide for car shopping.

"The team that worked on Durango really put their hearts into creating an SUV with a soul," Gilles added. "When consumers get behind the wheel, they'll experience a performance-tuned SUV that has the interior spaciousness of a crossover, still delivers best-in-class towing and starts under than $30,000. It's a tremendous package."

Dodge Durango

With its sleek exterior design, modern, spacious interior, world-class suspension dynamics and intelligent and fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango delivers driving excitement and refinement combined with the interior flexibility of a three-row SUV. The Durango's new unibody structure is more than 25 percent stiffer than the vehicle it replaces, making it a driver?s SUV that delivers impressive on-road handling. The new Durango also delivers best-in-class towing capability of 6,200 lbs. with the V-6 engine and 7,400 lbs. with the V-8 engine.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer?s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango, Express model, is $29,195 for the rear-wheel-drive and $31,195 for the all-wheel-drive (excluding an $850 destination charge).

Dodge Brand

Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The brand is on a tear for the 2011 model year, redefining itself with six all-new or significantly redesigned new vehicles, introducing new lifestyle packages designed to better meet the needs of its customers, launching catchy new ads that have started conversations with owners and potential owners, actively participating in new events and sponsorships and developing relationships with its long-loyal enthusiast base, as well as reaching out to customers who desire cars that leave them wanting more.

The 2011 model year Dodge product line includes the all-new Dodge Durango and Charger, significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, and the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro.