The Dodge Durango, which was introduced in 1998, is the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) equivalent of the Dakota pickup’s first cousin. It has the same chassis, same mechanical features and front-end design, same dashboard and controls, same colors, etc. That said, this is a good, solid vehicle with a bold, macho appearance that’s the perfect size for an SUV. It offers excellent performance and lots of nice creature comfort features.

Thanks to the generosity of the DaimlerChrysler press office and the always great service from our friends at Prestige Auto Specialists, we had the opportunity to drive the Durango for an extended period that took us on the freeway from Atlanta to a camping spot deep in the mountains of North Carolina, and back. This was a good opportunity to put the vehicle through its paces under a wide variety of conditions.

I reviewed the Durango when it first hit the street and drove it in the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s SUV of the Year competition shortly after that. I was impressed both times. I hadn’t driven it since then, but nothing this time around has changed my opinion.

The Durango is Dodge’s first SUV since the old Ram Charger. Like the Dakota, it’s in a very special class, larger than average-size SUV like the Explorer or Blazer, and smaller than the full size ones like the Tahoe and Expedition.

It also offers an interesting choice of powertrains including two very strong V8s and is available as a four-door wagon in Sport or SLT trim, in two or four wheel drive versions. The 2WD comes equipped with a standard 5.2-liter V8, while the 4WD is equipped with the 4.7-liter V8 powerplant. The muscular 5.9-liter V8, which is optional in both, was under the hood of our test vehicle. Equipped that way, the Durango boasts an awesome load capacity and trailering prowess almost equal to the Ford Expedition.

The engines are all married to a 4-speed automatic, and the on-demand, all-wheel-drive system works through a manual transfer case.

Standard equipment includes climate control, front airbags and an AM/FM stereo cassette player. However, ABS, a theft-deterrent system, the third-row bench seat, and power windows, door locks and driver’s seat are all options.

Handling is quick, seeming a little top-heavy at times, but the vehicle is surprisingly maneuverable with a short turning radius. The suspension on the all-wheel-drive version still utilizes torsion bars, while the rear suspension includes a more sophisticated rear axle supported by leaf springs for a better ride and handling. It’s also fitted with recirculating ball steering, while rear-wheel drive Durango’s are equipped with rack-and-pinion steering. Brakes are front-disc/rear-drum, with ABS optional.

Behind the wheel, the Durango is quite roomy with seating for eight and lots of cargo room. Visibility is pretty good — exterior mirrors are large, but sit a little high and can block forward vision. Instrumentation is logical, complete and easily functional but utilitarian in style and somewhat Spartan in appearance.

Front seating is comfortable and offers thick padding, but the two rear seats are missing some of that padding and can get a bit hard on a trip. Access to the third seat seemed a little more complicated than necessary, but one nice feature is that the rear door windows lower all the way.
Whines: ABS brakes are a must on the Durango and shouldn’t be optional. Rear disks would improve the braking as well. You don’t buy an SUV for the gas mileage, but the Durango seems to be perpetually thirsty.
Kudos: In spite of a rather low-tech suspension in comparison to most of today’s more sophisticated SUV, the ride is surprisingly good. Aggressive, macho styling combined with high demand make the Durango a resale dream.
Bottom Line: A good looking, roomy, powerful SUV that’s priced competitively. Larger and more powerful than its mid-size market competition with the towing capacity of a full-size SUV.