2013 Dodge Durango

For 2013, the Dodge Durango is available in 4 different configurations, namely a standard SXT trim, a mid-level Crew trim, performance-oriented R/T, and the top-draw Citadel trim. Only the R/T trim brings Chrysler’s prized HEMI V8 engine to action, therefore gets reviewed separately, while the rest of the trims stay content with the base V6 engine. All-wheel-drive is available as an option on each trim level. An overview of the features of all trim levels is as follows:

We Recommend

The 2013 Dodge Durango is widely praised for having a wide selection of trims and an adequate selection of features. We recommend the Crew trim, which is well outfitted with luxury and safety features that will make your ride comfortable and safer. Camping enthusiasts should consider the AWD conjured Durango.

A naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 helps the 2013 Dodge Durango to punch above its weight class with a splendid power output of 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine is still coupled to the old 5-speed automatic transmission setup, but the old dog still synchronizes very well for those smooth bursts of power. The Durango runs on the traditional rear-wheel drivetrain but also supports the all-wheel one for better stability and traction control.

In a segment where V6 engines run the game, Dodge’s base powertrain is potent enough to tow 6,200 pounds when properly equipped with the tow package. This figure is quite impressive for a 5,000-pound giant like the Durango. Those who haul heavy cargo for a living should definitely go for the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. This engine is rated at a power output of 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and an impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. The high torque figure gives a tireless performance while towing on those long dreadful stretches of road.

The Dodge Durango with the base powertrain manages to breach the 0-60 mph mark and quarter-mile run in 9 and 16.7 seconds, respectively. While these figures are indeed a sluggish fest, the HEMI-powered Durango fares a bit better, finishing the 0-60 mph and the quarter-mile in 7.5 and 15.5 seconds, respectively. These figures still cannot outclass the 2nd-fastest SUV in its segment, the Ford Explorer. The GMC Acadia is a cut above the rest, dominating the speed charts with just its base V6 engine.

The SUV provides a decent MPG of 16 around the city and 23 MPG while cruising on the highway. This leads to a rather subpar combined MPG of 19 by SUV standards. These figures aren’t too bad considering the Durango’s off-road stature and towing capabilities. The EPA estimates the same MPG figures for the all-wheel-drive variant as well. With the Durango’s massive 24.6-gallon fuel tank capacity, the SUV lends out a city mileage of 393.6 miles and highway mileage of 565.8 miles.

With the monstrous HEMI V8 under its hood, the Durango’s fuel economy drops to 14 MPG in the city and 20 on the highway, equating to a combined MPG of 16. For all-wheel-drive, EPA estimates the MPG numbers at an even lower 13/20 MPG or 15 combined. This engine makes the Durango one of the hungriest fuel-guzzlers in the market. While this segment may not be the most friendly in terms of fuel economy, both the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee lead the line with their mileage. Both offer a class-leading mileage in the city and highway sectors, although cash-conscious customers won’t be too happy with their estimated EPA MPG figures.

The 2013 Dodge Durango commands authority with its superb cabin appointments that signify its truck-based heritage. The big red-needled gauges, simple climate-control knobs, and subtle touches of metallic trim all send out a strong visual statement. The R/T trim turns on the style with its leather upholstery, woven red inserts and red stitching, and white trim rings on the dials. The driving position is just placed right while all the controls and knobs are placed ergonomically. The front seats feel comfortable and feature ample space and bolstering facilities. 

The second-row seats also allow three adults to be seated comfortably. Dodge also offers a popular bucket seat configuration for its 2nd-row seats. Access to the 3rd-row seats can be a bit difficult for adults. These seats don’t fold out of the way like a minivan either, allowing you to only free up 84.5 cubic feet of space at a maximum. The Durango offers 17.2 cubic feet of space behind its 3rd-row seats, which is an average figure for most family haulers today.

The Dodge Durango’s interior dimensions are adequate for your family to feel comfortable. However, its rivals like the Ford Explorer and theGMC Acadia offer more versatility when it comes to cargo space. Still, the Durango’s cargo figures are within the competitive range of its segment. The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the most cargo capacity at 35.1 cu-ft, but it compromises on its seating capacity by only offering space for 5 adults. The best interior features onboard the Durango include:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Cruise control 
• Leather upholstery
• Optional heated steering wheel
• Optional Nappa leather upholstery

How intuitive is the 2013 Dodge Durango’s infotainment unit?

The Durango offers a rather basic infotainment setup compared to other high-tech crossovers. The base SXT model only gets the basic tech bits like cruise control, a CD player and six-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, and voice-activated Uconnect telephone service. You can access the onboard infotainment through a 6.5-inch touchscreen control available on the Crew trim. Furthermore, music lovers can relish the extra bass thanks to an improved 9-speaker audio system. Higher up the trim pyramid, inbuilt navigation, an MP3 player, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system get unlocked. A list of all the salient infotainment features include:

• Sirius satellite radio
• 6-speaker sound system
• MP3 player
• Bluetooth with audio streaming
• Voice-activated Uconnect telephone service
• 6.5-inch touchscreen control
• 9-speaker sound system
• Navigation
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system

The 2013 Dodge Durango’s rugged exterior looks used to be the favorite buying aspect of every customer. Unfortunately moving on ahead, Dodge decided to remove some of the attention-grabbing aspects of the Durango like its aggressive front fenders. Instead, it inculcates classic SUV styling aspects like a big crosshair grille upfront. The wheels and both front and rear fascias are styled more towards the conservative side. The Durango runs on 18-inch alloy wheels when you opt for the SXT and Crew variants. The bigger 20-inch alloys on the R/T and Citadel trim also give the Durango a distinct image.

The Dodge Durango’s exterior dimensions are similar to the majority of crossovers in its segment. The Durango offers a lot of ground clearance to excel off the road, although it doesn’t do that as effectively as theJeep Grand Cherokee. The Durango might have the heaviest curb weight among its competitors, but it is easily leagues ahead with its monstrous towing capacity. Few major exterior features include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Sunroof
• Power liftgate
• Crosshair grille

The Dodge Durango includes standard safety features like dual front, side, and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction and stability control. Optional safety upgrades include adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. Trailer sway control is standard on all models as Durango’s main priority is to haul heavy loads. In the safety tests, the Durango gets a 4-star rating from the federal agency NHTSA. The most advanced safety tech on board the Durango include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Trailer sway control
• Rearview camera
• Blind-spot monitor
• Rear parking sensors

The 2013Dodge Durango is a classic SUV, offering tons of room and comfort inside along with a powerful lineup of engines to appeal to family-oriented drivers. The Durango is one of Chrysler’s most balanced products, offering all the traditional perks of an SUV like an independent rear suspension, easy maneuverability, and a decent off-roading stature alongside a host of standard features. The Durango’s safety and technology suite is also pretty respectable for its price tag. The Durango may not be the most exciting crossover, but it is still one of the best family haulers out there.