2016 Dodge Durango

Putting the "Sport" in "Sport Utility"

The 2016 Dodge Durango is a different type of SUV. It checks the usual SUV boxes of utility, featuring a high driving position and all-wheel drive traction. But unlike many modern SUVs, which pretend to be trucks but are closer to high-riding station wagons or minivans, the Durango has some attitude. It looks tough, and has the sporty driving character to match.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Dodge Durango offers a bit more muscle than the average SUV. It may be built to haul lots of people and stuff, but the Durango still manages to channel some of the spirit of Dodge’s muscle cars.

Standard equipment on the Durango is the 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 that’s already proven itself in numerous Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) models. In the Durango, it produces 290 horsepower (295 hp in Rallye, Blacktop Package, and Citadel models) and 260 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, the Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.

For even more power, Dodge also offers its 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 in the Durango. A V8 engine is unusual in this class of SUV, let alone the legendary HEMI®. In the Durango, it produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a tow rating of 7,400 pounds, which Dodge claims is best in class. All Durango models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

Burly engines don’t have to mean poor fuel economy, though. For 2016, the Pentastar V6 gets an engine start-stop system that shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, to save fuel. The Hemi V8 has cylinder deactivation, which shuts down some cylinders under light loads. The Durango also features an Eco mode that adjusts transmission shift points and throttle sensitivity to further improve fuel economy.

The result is an impressive 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway)* in V6 models with rear-wheel drive, and 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive. Hemi V8 models get 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Dodge Durango is a five-door SUV with seating for six or seven depending on configuration. It’s available in four trim levels, priced starting from $30,495.**

Standard features on the base Durango SXT includes automatic headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch wheels, three-row seating with a 60/40 split-folding second row and 50/50 split-folding third row, three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, three-zone automatic climate control, full-length floor console, and more.

The Durango Limited builds on the SXT, incorporating its standard features and adding items like leather seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated first and second-row seats, power front seats, and remote start.

The Citadel is the penultimate Durango model, and the one most focused on luxury. In addition to the applicable standard equipment from the SXT and Limited models, it includes Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, power sunroof, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power tailgate, rain-sensitive front wipers, and Uconnect® Access infotainment system with 8.4-inch touchscreen, voice command, 3D navigation, and live streaming Internet radio.

Finally, the R/T is the top Durango model, as well as the sportiest. It’s the only model offered with the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8, and also features sport-tuned suspension with a 20-millimeter lower ride height, 20-inch wheels on performance tires, and monotone exterior. Other notable standard features include a BeatsAudio™ premium sound system, heated steering wheel, and HID headlights.

Optional equipment includes a towing package, skid plate package, and several appearance packages. The Rallye package is available on the SXT and Limited models, while the Blacktop package is available on those models and the R/T. A Brass Monkey appearance package is exclusive to the Limited, and an Anodized Platinum package is offered only on the Citadel.

Design

The 2016 Dodge Durango has a sporty exterior that makes other crossovers and SUVs seem boring by comparison. At the front is a bold version of Dodge’s trademark crosshair grille, while the fenders bulge out in a way that’s more muscle car than SUV. At the back, the Durango stands out thanks to “racetrack” LED taillights shared with the Charger.

The interior matches the exterior’s sporty feel with features like a three-spoke steering wheel and shift paddles for the eight-speed automatic transmission. Instead of a traditional shift lever, Dodge also used a rotary knob, freeing up space on the center console. There’s plenty of tech too, including a standard reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge cluster and 5.0-inch center-stack touchscreen Chrysler’s Uconnect® infotainment system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen are also available.

Dodge offers plenty of options for carrying either people or cargo. The Durango comes standard with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, and a 50/50 split-folding third row. Both rows can partially fold to carry long items with some rear-seat passengers, or fold completely to create a flat load floor. This configuration offers seating for seven, but the second-row bench can also be substituted for a six-seat setup captain’s chairs.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Dodge Durango includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, active head restraints, and seven airbags. Optional equipment includes a rearview camera, park assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and advanced brake assist.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Dodge Durango is an SUV with undeniable attitude and exceptional quality. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit Heritage CDJR Harrisburg, Owings Mills & Parkville at Find A Store Near You to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

** MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

Image: Dodge