Review: 2014 Dodge Durango SXT AWD

Let’s face it – these days, most crossovers are every bit as bland and insipid as the minivans they’ve supplanted on the basis of supposed stylistic superiority.

However, there are a few exceptions to that rule. Take the Dodge Durango, which sports an unusually assertive appearance that it can actually back up with truck-like muscle and towing prowess.

At first glance, the Durango seems to have the ideal blend of character and capability – we spent a week with the three-row rig to find out if that’s really the case.

What is it?

Now in its third generation, the Dodge Durango blends SUV-like rear- or all-wheel-drive with crossover-style unibody construction. All-new in 2011 and updated for 2014, it shares elements of its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, all of which were designed back in the Daimler/Chrysler era. Our SXT model was equipped with Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which in this application makes 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

That stout six-pot is mated to the ubiquitous ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that’s utilized in a wide range of vehicles from the Bentley Mulsanne to the Ram 1500. Power is sent to a full-time all-wheel-drive system with a single-speed transfer case, a setup that enables a towing capability of 6,200 pounds and mileage of 17 city/24 highway mpg.

Those in need of more power, a class-leading 7,400-pound towing capacity and a variable (hi/lo) transfer case, can opt for a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It produces 360 horsepower along with 390 lb-ft of torque, and can shut down four cylinders in cruising situations to save fuel. Of course, folks living outside the snowbelt can opt for the simplicity of rear-wheel-drive with either engine.

The Durango rides on an independent suspension kit with coil springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, upper- and lower-control arms and a stabilizer bar, while the rear is made up of a Multi-link rear suspension, coil springs and twin tube shocks, aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links plus a separate toe link for added stability. Steering is composed of an efficiency-boosting electro-hydraulic system.

Our tester was dressed up with the optional Rallye Appearance Group, which adds 20-inch alloy wheels, body-colored front and rear fascias, sill and wheel-lip molding, and color grille accents, as well as chrome dual-exhaust finishers. Its already-impressive towing capabilities were augmented by the Trailer Tow Group IV package, a bundle that adds heavy duty engine cooling, a 220-amp alternator, class IV receiver hitch, seven and four pin wiring harnesses and rear load-leveling suspension, among other items.

Other trim level groupings exist as well. In addition to the base SXT version, buyers can also can opt for Limited or top of the line Citadel models, as well as the sport-oriented Durango R/T.

What’s it up against?

Competition for the Durango comes from such stalwarts as the Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer and Flex, and the Durango’s Jeep Grand Cherokee cousin.

How does it look?

Although the standard Durango’s looks are anything but lightweight, our SXT Rallye version featured the butched-up appearance of body color trim pieces to impart more of a performance feel than found in a typical SUV. While not as hunched down as the R/T version, it still managed an aggressive outer appearance, which translated into just the right amount of wrong, even though it lacked the Hemi engine underneath its bright red hood.

Projector beam headlamps are now standard and are joined by a pair of hockey stick LED running lights for a unique forward-looking appearance. This stylish theme is continued through the use of 192 red LED lights that form a racetrack taillamp. Their similarity to the rear lighting scheme of the Dodge Charger is purely intentional.

And on the inside?

Our Durango SXT Rallye offered a pair of well-bolstered fabric-covered front seats with full power-adjustability for the driver, while optional split captain-style seating in the second row provided complete comfort but cut the overall passenger capacity from seven to six. It was also equipped with an available center armrest console with storage, but those desiring a pass-through to the third row are able to opt out of this equation.

The captain’s chairs gave easy flip-forward access to third-row seating with the single touch of a lever. The third row seats fold down with the pull of a strap so you can go from people moving to cargo hauling in a matter of seconds. Behind the third row is 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold that third row down and it grows to 47.7 cubic feet. With both rows folded forward, expect 84.5 cubic feet. But wait, there’s more: the front passenger seat can also fold forward for extra storage capacity. Holy Wide Open Spaces, Batman!

The Uconnect-based premium audio system offered great tuneage and the ability to sync with a smartphone in three painless steps. Nav-ready, but requiring a dealer upgrade for the same, it allowed the eventual use of Yelp to find business and restaurant listings, as well as the capability with to be connected as a wi-fi hotspot for passenger’s smartphones. Using a similar interface to what is found in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat family vehicles, we find it one of the best systems available today.

But does it go?

Though the SXT Rallye is near the bottom of the Durango’s trim level totem pole, it still has a great deal to offer. Sure, its Pentastar V6 is definitely not a Hemi, but we still found it plentiful in the power department. Acceleration was seamless, although the mill seemed to suffer from a higher tip-in than that found in the V8.

Once we were at speed on the interstate, the Durango Rallye settled in for a surprisingly quiet ride on most road surfaces. On others, not so much, but we attribute that to coarse road aggregate and the all-season 20-inch tires. According to Dodge, this semi-big-rig is capable of traveling more than 600 miles on a single tank of fuel. Speaking of fuel, the Durango SXT Rallye is a Flexfuel vehicle.

The electro-hydraulic steering is excellent, offering good road feel and feedback. We thought the suspension rides a few millimeters higher than the rear-wheel-drive Durango R/T, and as a result, was a slight bit touchier than that of the higher-line model. Sure-footed throughout, it still inspired confidence around town in the Crescent City of New Orleans where we conducted our test. The all-wheel-drive system, with the benefit of Dodge’s Hill Start Assist, even managed to tackle runs up the berms along the Mississippi River as though they were tiny anthills.

Leftlane’s bottom line:

Whether it’s asked to be a refined family hauler or tough truck stand-in, the stylish Durango is up to the task.

Furthermore, with a polished driving experience and trick Uconnect system, it’s proof that a crossover doesn’t have to be über expensive to be well-equipped and well-executed.

2014 Dodge Durango SXT base price, $32,195. As tested, $40,065.

Customer Preferred Package 23B, $1,700; Trailer Tow Group IV, $995; Popular Equipment Group, $895; Rallye Appearance Group, $1,495; Second Row Captains Chairs, $895; Second Row Console/Armrest, $300; Uconnect 8.4 System, $595; Destination fee, $995.

Photos by Mark Elias.