As versatile and spacious as today’s crossovers and SUVs are, there really aren’t many to get excited about until you start factoring in some of the high-performance (and high-dollar) German offerings. The key exception, of course, is the 2015 Dodge Durango R/T, which combines a meaner exterior and sport-inspired interior with the size and performance advantages that the Durango already holds over its competition. For 2015, Dodge->ke28 adds a handful of new updates to the R/T trim level, and while the changes are relatively minor, they help to set this trim apart from the rest of the Durango lineup.
Dodge essentially created the three-row, mid-size SUV market in 1998 when it introduced the Dakota-based Durango, and today, the Dodge Durango continues to bridge the gap between smaller mid-size crossovers and full-size SUVs.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Dodge Durango R/T.
2015 Dodge Durango R/T
- Make: Array
- Model: 2015 Dodge Durango R/T
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 360
- Torque: 390
Exterior
As part of the 2014 design update, the Durango had a pretty sporty appearance, with the LED racetrack taillight design, but the R/T trim level is the way to go if you’re looking for a big SUV with attitude. The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is easily distinguishable from the rest of the Durango lineup by its monochromatic paint job and lowered ride height, but giving the R/T its mean appearance are the darker elements of the design, such as the tinted headlights and new standard 20-inch, dark, high-gloss wheels.
Interior
Big news for the 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is the new standard "Beats by Dr. Dre" audio system and the optional Premium Nappa Leather Group, which adds Radar Red Nappa leather seats carried over from the Charger and Challenger. Aside from these changes, the Durango R/T still gets the spacious seven-passenger seating and seats with the “R/T” logo embroidered onto the seat backs.
Drivetrain
Backing up its aggressive outward appearance and sports car-like interior, the 2015 Durango R/T comes standard with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. This engine is rated at 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, and thanks to cylinder deactivation, rear-wheel-drive models return decent fuel economy of 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. All-wheel drive is optional for the R/T and all other Durango trim levels, but the advanced eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Unlike smaller crossovers, the Durango R/T has a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.
Prices
Although the 2015 Dodge Durango has a base price of $30,495, the sporty-looking Durango R/T starts at $39,795 for the rear-drive model and $42,295 with all-wheel drive. The $1,195 Premium Nappa Leather Group, which comes with black or Radar Red leather seats, brings even more of a sporty vibe to the Durango’s cabin.
Competition
Ford Explorer Sport
The closest rival to the 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport, which gives the utilitarian SUV a sporty and monochromatic appearance. Unlike the Durango R/T, the Explorer Sport does offer some performance advantages over the standard Explorer, as it is the only model to come with the 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6. The smaller-displacement engine gives the Explorer a slight advantage in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Starting at $43,100, the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport is priced higher than a base Durango R/T, but factoring in the Durango’s optional all-wheel-drive, the prices are almost identical. As evenly matched as the Durango R/T and Explorer Sport are, the biggest difference between these two sporty SUVs is the tow rating, which is limited to 5,000 pounds for the Explorer Sport. Displacement still counts, folks.
Read our full review of the Ford Explorer Sport here.
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
Beyond the Explorer, if you’re looking for a vehicle that offers as much space and capability as the Durango, you’re probably going to have to step up to the larger and more expensive Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe starts at $46,300, and it comes standard with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 rated at 355 horsepower. Despite being much larger than the Explorer and Durango, the new Tahoe actually gets the best fuel economy in base form, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Although the Tahoe doesn’t offer a performance or appearance package like the Explorer Sport or Durango R/T, the Tahoe Z71 probably has the best looks of the Tahoe lineup to go with its improved off-road abilities.
Read our full review of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe here.
Conclusion
The Dodge Durango R/T was already one of the meanest-looking SUVs on the market (especially under the $40,000 range), but things get even better for 2015 with a sporty new interior package inspired by the new Charger and Challenger. From every angle, the Durango R/T stands out from the sea of SUVs and crossovers on the market, and it does so without sacrificing capability or comfort.
Read our 2011 Dodge Durango R/T review here.