Numbers are inevitable when talking about cars. Whether it's dimensions, horsepower, wheel size or seat count, each category has a number attached to it — and it's often used to trump a competitor.
There's a number Dodge (and other makers of big crossovers) would probably like to brush under the rug: 75, as in $75 to fill the tank of the redesigned 2011 Durango I tested. The price for a gallon of regular gas in the Chicago suburbs was $3.65, and my total would have been a little higher had I not reached the pump's limit for credit-card transactions.
The Durango is a remarkably well-mannered, high-quality seven-seat crossover suitable for a family road trip, but its fuel economy — typical for its size — is a big liability.
I tested the most efficient version of the Durango available: a rear-wheel-drive model with the base V-6 engine, which is rated 16/23 mpg city/highway. It was a midrange Crew trim level, which starts at $33,195, but plenty of technology options pushed the as-tested price to $41,485.
The Look
The previous-generation Durango had an odd look to it from certain angles, but the 2011 model is considerably more stylish. Dodge designer Mark Trostle repeatedly used the word "proportion" when describing its looks. It does indeed have nice proportions, and the design is enhanced by a new take on Dodge's signature crosshair grille that gives the Durango an intimidating stare. The sides and rear are less memorable, and the design seems to sag slightly behind the rear wheels, but on the whole it's attractive for a big crossover.
Perception-Changing Interior Quality
Previous Dodge interiors didn't do the brand many favors. They were rightly criticized for their uninspired design and rudimentary construction that significantly trailed the competition at a time when design and interior quality were becoming more important to consumers. The redesigned Durango's all-new cabin is a big improvement over the old model's lackluster one, and it's among the best in the segment. It's amazing what a few years and a full redesign can do.
One of the things I like most about the Durango's new cabin is that Dodge didn't forget about the little details — an oversight for which it used to be notorious. Smooth finishes on plastic trim pieces like the door pockets and armrest storage release button might not seem like much, but they go a long way toward raising the overall feel of the cabin — a space that already benefits from high-grade materials and good panel fit.
In addition to style, this Durango has substance. The front bucket seats are comfortable, and even though the step-in height isn't excessive, you get a commanding view of the road. The seats are supportive — especially for your thighs — and were finished in optional leather (upscale cloth upholstery is standard).
The second-row bench seat doesn't slide, but its fixed position has more usable legroom for adult passengers than the second row in the redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer. The Durango is just a few inches longer than the Explorer but features a wheelbase that's 7 inches longer. Longer wheelbases tend to provide more room for passengers, and that's the case here. Meanwhile, the two-person third row can handle adult passengers in a pinch, thanks to decent headroom, but it's best suited for children.
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