2014 Dodge Durango R/T

2014 Dodge Durango R/T

2014 Dodge Durango RT

The Good:
– Only V8 in this segment
– Cabin space and features
– Good handling to match looks
The Bad:
– Rides a bit firmer than others
– Slightly less ground clearance
– A little bit long

We seem to start every other review of a three-row crossover whining about how we dislike three-row crossovers. And while we generally give them a fair review, we never exactly ask to drive them, but rather are requested to do so. The new 2014 Dodge Durango R/T, on the other hand, is the first of its ilk that we’ve actually asked to drive.

The entire Durango line has been facelifted for 2014, and in our eyes, the mid-range R/T is the most attractive of the lot. With colour-coded skirts, smoked headlights, shiny 20-inch alloys as well as lots of distinctive LEDs front and rear, this is the meanest-looking midsize crossover around.

2014 Dodge Durango RT 7

The R/T also specifically gets a black interior, with red R/T logos stitched into the leather-clad thickly-bolstered front seats. There’s generous amounts of soft-touch trim on the dash and along all the doors, with nicely-padded armrests even in the third row. The overall look is simple, but in terms of materials, it’s pretty much the best in its class.

Space is among the best in its class too. With its generous wheelbase, the Durango packs in two rows of ample space for basketball players, with a third row just about fit for the average-sized waterboys. We took it on a long intercity trip and our two adult last-row passengers never complained, with their own cup-holders and ceiling a/c vents The ultra-spacious second row offer the best seats in the house, with a leaning feature and all, but it doesn’t slide front and back in case you wanted to free up more space for the third row. Our car’s second row had the two optional captain’s chairs, whereas a bench is also available. Access to the third row is as decent as it can be in an SUV, with the foldaway second row. Surprisingly, there’s still a hatchback’s worth of boot space left with all seats in use. Folding the third row turns the boot into a carpeted bedroom though. And there’s enough cup-holders and door pockets for all.

Gadgetry-wise, it’s got that 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, a class-leading system that Dodge really ought to brag about more. With clear icons and colourful graphics, it’s pretty easy to get around the system, without even trying the voice controls. The Garmin navigation, the Bluetooth phone, the good stereo and some a/c functions are all controlled via the responsive touchscreen. Major audio and a/c controls still have conventional buttons and dials, so you can use them without taking your eyes off the road. The gauge cluster is now partially a big 7-inch LCD screen, with unique colourful graphics, such as the epic movie-style fonts for the digital speedo. Other features include power-adjustable front seats, smart keyless entry with starter button, adaptive cruise control, HID headlights with foglamps, power tailgate, blind-spot monitor, rear camera with sensors, lots of airbags and an above-average tri-zone a/c with rear controls and vents. Our test car did not have a sunroof or a rear entertainment system, both reserved for the higher Citadel trim unless you special-order them for the R/T.

2014 Dodge Durango RT 4

The R/T does come standard with a 5.7-litre “Hemi” V8, the Durango being the only one in its class to offer such a big motor aside from a 3.6-litre V6 in base models. Making a solid 360 hp at 5150 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, we timed it at 7.3 seconds in our 0-100 kph test during March. Full-throttle bursts of acceleration are accompanied with a proper V8 wail from the R/T-specific sport-tuned exhaust.

The hefty 2448-kg Durango now has a new 8-speed automatic with a rotary-dial gear selector and paddle-shifters. It’s a smart gearbox, although flooring it while cruising in eighth gear means enduring that minor delay as it sequentially downshifts 3 gears before speeding up for that overtake. The upside is fuel consumption only a little more than a V6, as we got 14.9 litres/100 km.

The Durango was always a decent handler for a car of its size, but the R/T takes it to the next level. It specifically gets sport-tuned slightly-lowered suspension to go with the 265/50 tyres on chrome 20-inch wheels. Body roll in the sharper corners is noticeably a fair bit less than the regular Durango, to the point of being unnoticeable when driving under its limits. The grip limits itself aren’t terribly high, but when you do reach them, the front tyres just gradually give way to safe understeer. We still enjoyed the way you could drive it like a big well-sprung sedan, something that’d previously only been seen in Europeans luxo-crossovers.

The thick-rimmed steering is surprisingly weighty compared to the regular Durango, and even offers more feedback. It is decently precise, as is the brake-pedal feel, the ABS-assisted disc brakes providing rather good stopping power.

As for comfort, the Durango is fairly quiet at highway speeds, with only minor wind and road noise noticeable at 130 kph. However, with those low-profile tyres, it does ride a bit firmer compared to some of its rivals and even the regular Durango, a trade-off for the good handling. It is also a bit complicated to parallel-park, considering it’s longer than most midsize SUVs, but the optional rear camera makes it easier.

Three-row crossovers aren’t supposed to venture too far off-road, but the V8-powered Durango models actually come do with low-range gearing, just in case a situation arises. The front bumper is mounted very low to aid aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, but also hindering any real dune-climbing capability. However, the Durango acquitted itself very well on rough gravel tracks we encountered at an earlier launch event, crossing shallow creeks and curb-sized ridges. It should also do well on flatter soft-sand areas.

The Dodge Durango R/T has created a bit of a niche for itself. We’d call it the three-row crossover specifically built for enthusiasts. It’s the only one that combines a big stonking V8, good handling, a properly-practical interior, modern multimedia tech and the look of a tuner special, all for a price comparable to many of its V6-powered rivals. If we were in the market for a big family wagon, this would be our first choice.

Price Range:
Dh 165,000-175,000

Current Model Introduced in:
2014

Body Styles:
5-door wagon

Engines:
5.7L 360 hp V8 / 520 Nm

Transmissions:
8-speed automatic

Setup:
Four-wheel-drive

Suspension:
Front: independent
Rear: independent

Brakes:
Front: discs
Rear: discs

Curb Weight:
2448 kg

Length:
5075 mm

Wheelbase:
3045 mm

Top Speed:
213 kph(limited)

Test Acceleration 0-100 kph:
7.3 sec.

Observed Test Fuel Economy:
14.9 litres/100km

What do you think?

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Comments

  1. You are a totally Dodge fan rite now

  2. The almost 50-50 weight distribution helps this thing handles as well as it does. Would love it if they made a SRT version..

  3. Mash, I think your last paragraph sums it up really nicely. Just one question: is the second row seat arrangement in your tester R/T standard? It would be great not to have to order it as an option

  4. Nice review Mashfique. I have bought the Durango 2014 Limited. I love this car, it handles very well, beyond my expectations. And the Uconnect has the right combination of features and simplicity. Fuel Economy on the High way is around 14 L/100km. However, City driving has an average of 23 L/100km. A bit high, but worth it with the V8 5.7 Hemi Monster.

    • Hi Shady

      Is it worth to buy a durango which is a demo car done more than 5000 kms, for 150K Aed when new V8 ltd is available for 156 approx ?

      also how much is the service cost for durango ?

      Please advise asap

  5. Shady Mokhtar, could you please comment on :

    – Sound system
    – Boot space and does the limited version comes with sliding rear seats
    – Gear Box, I heard that it had issues with shift in 2010-2012 model
    – how is the ride

    What would you comment on the resale value of this car.
    Thanks

    • Hi NR,

      The Sound system in my Car is the ten-speaker Alpine audio system includes a 12-channel amp, 3½” instrument panel speaker, 2 one-inch mirror flag tweeters, two 6×9 front door speakers, two 6½” rear door speakers, two 2½” D-pillar speakers, and one eight-inch dual voice coil subwoofer. In Short, Amazing Sound.

      Boot Space, Without folding the seats, the Space is a little bit limited to some grocery bags. However, the second and third rows folds flat, giving you enough space to put a 6-foot couch with room for a coffee table as quoted from one of the reviews.

      Gear Box is a whole new one in 2014 model, with 8 speeds and paddle shifters standard in all trims. No problems reported with this one so far, and the car really benefits from the new gear ratios.

      The Ride, Simply put, AMAZING. It handles very well on the road even on higher speeds, The road grip is excellent. Very comfortable inside, road noise level is minimal. The new glass on the Durango 2014 is DUAL LAYER THERMO/IMPACT GLASS.
      The pros to this type of glass is to reduce road noise and reduce heat or cold in the cabin area for driver/passenger comfort.
      IT’s designed the same way as a front windshield = 2 layers of tempered glass with a layer of clear Mylar sandwiched between.

      I hope I answered all your questions 🙂

  6. I am very impressed for the price. Seriously considering to buy the R/T. But with the new update about discontinuation after 2015, is it still a wise choice? (It would be my daily use car for at least 5 years) Can I ask your expert advice? My other options are Explorer Limited and Acadia SLT2.
    Thanks in advance!

  7. Thanks Shady for this much details.

    One more thing, how is your experience going with UMA agency. I heard a lot about their poor service and non experience staff for dodge.

  8. Hi All,
    Kindly recommend me a small car with adaptive cruise control, preferably with full stop n go. Thanks in advance

    Junais

  9. Hi All,

    do any one have issues with Nappa leather seats. I did a test drive recently, feel its bit hard. Any suggestions.

    Rgds,
    Srini

  10. Dear Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury,
    considering the diss-continuation of the durango model after june 2016, which comes along with the substantial decreased cost of V8 durango by good 20-30K aed.
    Do you still think its a good decision to buy them now in 2016…
    please your esteemed answer could help a lot of people like me to make a decision.

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