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Rick Newman is the Chief Business Correspondent for U.S. News & World Report and a longtime car buff. He will be reviewing automobiles here on a regular basis, as well as writing about all things vehicular. Below is his "micro-review" of the 2011 Dodge Durango.
Starts at: $29,195 / 16 MPG city / 23 MPG highway
What it is: A muscular, unapologetic SUV that snubs its nose at more gentrified competitors.
What's worth knowing: When Chrysler was careening toward bankruptcy a few years ago, it had little money to put into updating its models or investing in new designs. Much of its lineup, including the last version of the Durango, ended up aged and outdated. But since partnering with the Italian automaker Fiat as part of its new lease on life, Chrysler and its Dodge and Jeep divisions have begun to roll out new models that do a lot of catching up. The new Durango is a spacious hauler with minivan-like conveniences, a much-improved interior and a crisper ride than its predecessor, yet it retains the brawny styling that's a Dodge hallmark.
Who it's for: Road-tripping families with lots of gear to haul, including a boat or trailer if necessary.
What's good: The base model comes with three-row seating that accommodates seven people, with more legroom and shoulder room than other vehicles in its category. It's not quite sedan-like, but drivability is good for a fairly large vehicle, with smooth cornering and enough acceleration for confident highway cruising. The dashboard is straightforward and uncluttered, and the touch-screen controls on upper trim lines are intuitive and easy to use, without the need to page through endless menus. All-wheel drive is available on every model.
What's bad: Gas mileage is on the low side. In a mix of local and highway driving, I averaged barely 17 MPG. Dodge has also had a subpar reliability record in recent years, so the Durango and other new models still need to prove they hold up over the long haul.
How it stacks up: The Durango is more of a traditional SUV than competitors like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia or Toyota Highlander, which have followed the crossover trend and become more like exalted wagons. The Durango also has an optional V-8, which the others don't, which starts at a pricey $36,000 or so but ups hauling capability.
What to do if you want one: If you think you prefer the Durango's rugged appeal, test-drive an Explorer and a Highlander as well, just to make sure.
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