The Dodge Durango is an excellent paradigm of the automotive industry's evolution in the last few decades. Just like buyers turned from classic SUVs to crossovers, this SUV also started with a classic ladder frame platform but eventually ended as a modern unibody haulier.
So far, we've seen three generations, and although there were several attempts to bring it Down Under, it never made it to the Australian market.
The First Generation of Dodge Durango (1998-2003)
When the legendary Ramcharger was discontinued in 1993, everyone wondered what Dodge's next SUV would be. The company waited for a few years and worked on a vehicle that would be slightly less rugged but way more versatile. This resulted in the brand-new Dodge Durango, which they introduced in 1998.
The first-generation Durango was a proper SUV with a ladder chassis. It was rigid and capable but also very spacious from the inside, with plenty of passenger space. The Dodge Durango's seating capacity was up to 8 passengers, establishing it as a great family haulier.
At the same time, it was a truck-based SUV, with high ground clearance and solid off-road potential, with various large-capacity engines offered.
The platform and most of the mechanics were shared with the second-generation Dakota, which was introduced at about the same time. It used the same chassis and suspension setup that included a torsion beam at the front and good-old leaf springs on the rear end.
Regarding brakes, the front wheels were equipped with ventilated discs, while the rear wheels came with classic drum brakes.
Dodge Durango Interior
The Dodge Durango interior was initially rudimental, but the 2001 update brought a whole load of conveniences, including dash-mounted controls, a new instrument panel, and a transfer case selector that changed the old-school manual lever to a far more convenient switch.
Further updates included dual-zone climate controls, new seats, a six-speaker audio system, and new door panels.
Dodge Durango Engines
Under the hood, buyers got to choose from a range of Magnum series engines, starting from the 3.9-litre V6 (rated 130kW and 305 Nm). A 5.2-litre V8 (rated 168kW and 400Nm) was introduced soon after, while the range-topping models were equipped with a 5.9-litre V8 (rated 186kW and 468Nm).
The 2001 update also brought a new engine, the new-generation PowerTech series 4.7-litre V8 unit (rated 172kW and 400Nm), which was a more efficient alternative to the 5.2-litre unit.
All engines were coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Second Generation of Dodge Durango (2003-2009)
The second generation of Dodge Durango arrived in 2003. Although this was also a Dakota-based SUV with a proper ladder frame, it featured a way more refined design than the first generation. It came with a completely new suspension setup, with a modern McPherson strut (front) and a torsion beam (rear), and discs replaced the rear drum brakes.
What’s also worth mentioning is the notable growth in size. The wheelbase was stretched to 3,028mm, putting this generation in the full-size SUV segment. Dodge offered two rows for the basic variants, with 3-row options for higher trim levels.
Convenience was the theme for the second generation as could be seen from the 2003 Dodge Durango SLT. This mid-level trim is a value-oriented SUV with lots of standard equipment and a reasonable price tag.
It highlights features like 17-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth seats, rear air conditioning, 6-CD charger, and an 8-speaker sound system. An optional package offers an overhead console with gauges like temperature, odometer, fuel economy and compass.
In 2007, the SUV was updated with a new, more modern styling. This update also brought new safety and driver–assistance systems, such as electronic stability control, rear park assist, and a one-touch turn signal.
Engines
Under the hood was the new base engine 3.7-litre V6 (157kW; 319Nm), followed by the familiar 4.7-litre Magnum V8 (175kW; 408Nm). In 2004, we saw the legendary 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine (250kW; 502Nm) for the first time. That engine was updated in 2008 and brought a higher output of 257kW and 515Nm of torque. The year 2008 also brought a new 4.7-litre Corsair V8 (226kW; 447Nm), which replaced the old Magnum V8.
The initial models were equipped with a 4-speed automatic, while a more modern 5-speed automatic transmission was added later.
Finally, the company introduced a hybrid version of the HEMI V8 engine paired with a couple of 65-kW electric motors (290kW; 677Nm), which was capable and efficient in urban conditions. It was produced only in 2009, with only 800 Durango Hybrids coming out of the production lines.
The Third Generation of Dodge Durango (2010-present)
With the automotive world leaning toward crossovers and the imminent end of the Dakota, it was clear that the third-generation Durango would have to come with a different overall design.
This time, Dodge engineers decided to ditch the truck-based platform and opted for a unibody that shared many parts with the previous-generation Grand Cherokee.
The new generation became even bigger, with a wheelbase of 3,045mm. Despite the car-based design, it retained a bold design, which has been one of the reasons why this SUV remained attractive for a full 13 years. Of course, there were many other reasons, including the generous offer of trim levels and powertrains.
The initial model came with the then new 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine (216kW; 350Nm), followed by the R/T trim a year later. The new model featured a 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine with a max output of 268kW and 530Nm of torque.
The 2014 Dodge Durango received its first facelift, bringing styling changes that you’ll find even these days. The company also introduced the new, ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, along with a range of yearly updates that were mainly about further convenience and tech features.
The next big update came with the Dodge Durango 2017 when we saw the SRT trim for the first time. It was introduced with an even bigger 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine, which featured a max output of 354kW and 637Nm of torque.
Finally, the monstrous 6.2-litre Supercharged V8 engine (529kW; 875Nm) was introduced in 2021, capable of hitting 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. This model year also brought a notably refreshed interior design, with a new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.
From what we know, the company is preparing a successor, but the current generation is expected to remain in production for a few more years.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa