Dodge Durango 2011 all-new model revealed

The Dodge Durango, once a full-size 4×4 joke that was so bad, that production ended in 2008 but you could still buy a brand new one in 2010, has been completely revamped for 2011, now that it is based on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee platform.

Looking a lot like the said Jeep, the 2011 Dodge Durango is therefore all-new from the inside out, down to a midsize again, and using a unibody structure and possibly even becoming a full crossover now.

As with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all-new Durango features two engine options, namely the new 290 hp 3.6-litre “Pentastar” V6 and the upgraded 360 hp 5.7-litre “Hemi” V8, the latter featuring a fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation. Both engines feature variable-valve timing, come with 5-speed automatics and are available with optional all-wheel-drive. A range of 800 km on one tank is apparently possible with either engine option.

The Durango’s all-new interior ditches the cheap hard-plastic tub of the old model for a new cabin with abundant soft-touch areas, with cloth or optional leather upholstery. Unlike its Jeep sibling, the Durango will also offer three rows of seating, with 22 different seating configurations possible. Standard are front seat-mounted side airbags and standard side-curtain airbags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as active head restraints and electronic stability control. Other available technologies include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and keyless start.

More details for the Dodge Durango are yet to be released, but the U.S. debut will happen soon, likely followed by a GCC release by the end of the year

Keep track of UAE updates in the Dodge Durango buyer guide.