The Durango has been one of the most successful products for Dodge. Currently, in its third generation, the hot-looking SUV gets refreshed for the 2019 model with some tasteful visual cues. With a lot more customization options now available, the Durango is looking to expand its base even further. Does it still have the steam to take on the younger line of SUVs?
It Is Still Interesting
SUVs tend to live longer than other passenger cars and are designed to age gracefully. This eight-year-old veteran has just proved that with the 2019 facelift. To run you through the trim levels, Durango has the SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT. This time, the GT and SRT trims get the maximum changes.
The GT gets the same LED fog lamps and front fascia, as the R/T and SRT trims. You get 20-inch wheels in either Satin Carbon or Brass Monkey finish. A performance hood from the top SRT trim is also available. The Citadel trim gets captain seats in the second-row.
In the next trim, the R/T, you can now opt for Sepia leather seats. The SRT gets red seat belts, and optional 20-inch wheels in either a Matte Vapor or Brass Monkey finish. The Citadel, R/T, and SRT trims get an 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Three new exterior colors have been introduced - F8 Green, Destroyer Gray, and Reactor Blue.
Under the Hood
The SXT and GT trims carry over the same 3.6-liter, V-6 Pentastar engine which produces 295 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Citadel trim can be chosen with either a 3.6-liter, as found in the lower trims, or a monstrous 5.7-liter, V-8 Hemi that produces 360 horses and 390 pound-feet of torque and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This same engine comes as standard in the R/T trim.
Top-of-the-line SRT trim comes powered by the same 5.7-liter, V-8 Hemi that produces 475 horses and 470 pound-feet of torque. It also gets lightweight, high-performance Brembo brakes with two-piece rotors.
Our Take
FCA has worked well to give the Dodge Durango a refreshed look. However, facelifts are generally given to a model in the middle of its life, and the Durango is already eight years old in the present iteration. At a time when competition is looking fresh and strong, FCA should have gone with the next-gen straightaway. Nevertheless, the 2019 Durango looks smart and has great powertrain options, and should give stiff competition to the GMC Acadia and the Volkswagen Atlas; but this plays as a weakness too, since the GMC and VW SUVs come with four-cylinder engine options as well, unlike the Durango. Way to keep the mileage-conscious people at bay! Prices have not been announced yet, but the three-row SUV might retail at a starting price of $30,000, going all the way up to $62,000 for the top SRT trim. Like it, or hate it? Let us know in the comments section below.
Further reading
Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT.
Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Durango R/T.
Read more Dodge news.