2012 Dodge Durango SUV Features & Specs

 

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Dodge Durango gets a few minor improvements. Among them are a six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models, newly available second-row captain's chairs and revised trim levels.

Introduction

Last year, the Dodge Durango SUV returned to the market after a one-year hiatus. Fully redesigned, the latest Durango is a much different and much better vehicle than the generation that came before. With improved handling and ride dynamics, a nicer interior and a more refined and powerful V6, Dodge's full-size SUV gets a level of respect that the old Durango couldn't have gotten if Nelson Mandela himself was behind the wheel.
As expected, this year's 2012 Dodge Durango has the same positive qualities going for it. We're particularly fond of its sleek styling and upscale cabin. As a large crossover SUV, the Durango can seat up to seven passengers. It is also pretty easy to maneuver and rides well on both the highway and city streets.
Although it cranks out nearly 300 horsepower, the 3.6-liter V6 still boasts relatively good fuel economy numbers. The Durango's specialty, however, lies with its available V8. A nice choice for those who need added muscle for bigger hauling and towing duties, the V8-powered Durango can pull up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped -- a figure that's more than what most other competitors can manage.
If you don't require such heavy hauling ability but do need three rows of adult-friendly seats, then there are other worthwhile choices to consider. Among them are the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, Mazda CX-9 and the Durango's most obvious competitor, the recently redesigned Ford Explorer. Honestly, there's not a bad one in the bunch, but if you're looking for a vehicle with sharp styling, lots of features and high recreational abilities, the Durango is an excellent choice.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Dodge Durango large crossover SUV is available in four trim levels: base SXT, midlevel Crew, performance-themed R/T and top-of-the-line Citadel.
Standard equipment on the SXT includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, heated sideview mirrors, full power accessories, cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control (includes separate rear air-conditioning), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding and reclining second-row seat, a 50/50-split-folding third-row seat and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Crew adds remote ignition, a power liftgate, power-folding outside mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo compartment cover, power front seats (eight-way driver, six-way passenger), driver-seat memory functions, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a 115-volt power outlet, Bluetooth (phone and streaming audio) and an upgraded nine-speaker sound system with a touchscreen display, a USB/iPod interface, digital music storage and voice activation.
The R/T essentially includes the upgrades of the Crew (minus the parking sensors and rearview camera) along with a V8 engine, 20-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, body-color accents, xenon headlights, faux-suede upholstery and power driver lumbar support.
Stepping up from the Crew to the Citadel adds automatic xenon headlamps, 20-inch wheels, a chrome grille insert, automatic wipers, a sunroof, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system with Sirius Travel Link.
Many of the Citadel's luxury features are available on the Crew and the R/T. Options for the whole lineup include second-row captain's chairs, a towing package, a skid-plate package (except R/T) and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with satellite TV (except SXT).

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Dodge Durango is offered in several powertrain combinations. You can choose rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Except for the V6-only SXT, rear-drive versions offer a choice of V6 or V8 power. The full-time AWD system is only available with the V6 engine. The on-demand 4WD system features dual-range gearing (which makes it more capable on more challenging terrain) and requires the V8 engine.
Standard on all but the R/T is the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is rated at 290 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, a V6 Durango went from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds, a bit slower than most competing crossovers. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the V6 with all-wheel drive.
Optional on the Crew and Citadel, and standard on the R/T is a 5.7-liter V8 good for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The AWD V8 is rated at 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2012 Dodge Durango. The Citadel also comes with blind-spot monitoring and cross-path warning systems, which are both optional on the Crew. In Edmunds brake testing, a Durango Crew came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet -- a very good distance for a large crossover.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the Durango earned a perfect "Good" rating for its performance in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

Modern and functional, the 2012 Dodge Durango's cabin has been designed with family-style versatility in mind. Regardless of trim level, the design is attractive and features upscale materials.
Chrysler's latest batch of digital-entertainment options (a 28GB hard drive, satellite radio and TV) should appeal to both kids and tech-savvy parents; however, the available touchscreen interface isn't the most user-friendly or advanced. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, but the second row has a rather flat cushion (which helps promote a flatter load floor when the seat is folded) and doesn't offer quite as much legroom as roomier rivals. The Durango's easily accessed third row, on the other hand, offers a surprising amount of leg- and headroom (even for 6-footers) and is indeed more spacious than the Ford Explorer's.
With the second- and third-row seats folded down, the Durango can carry up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo. This is a respectable amount, but competing large crossover SUVs can offer even more rear-passenger and/or cargo space.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Dodge Durango is related to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and it shows in the way this nearly 5,000-pound vehicle drives down the road. The Durango feels controlled in almost any driving situation, and the responsive nature of the steering makes the Durango easy to maneuver.
Low-end torque is not a strong suit of the V6, but once the Dodge Durango is moving, the engine pulls respectably. Midrange acceleration is adequate for passing and merging and indeed there's little reason to sweat the additional second or two it takes the Durango to reach 60 mph compared to its fleeter rivals. As expected, the V8 offers brisk all-around performance. On a long interstate cruise, the Durango provides a quiet and relaxed cabin environment.

Colors

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Tires and Wheels

• Alloy wheels
• 18 x 8.0 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• P265/60R18 109T tires
• All terrain tires
• Underbody mounted spare tire
• Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Variable intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Intermittent rear wiper

Doors

• Fixed lifgate window
• Rear liftgate door

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 75.8 in.
• Height: 70.9 in.
• Length: 199.8 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.1 in.
• Front track: 63.9 in.
• Rear track: 64.1 in.
• Wheel base: 119.8 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 17.2 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 84.5 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 5000 lbs.**
• Maximum payload: 1330 lbs.**
• Gross weight: 6500 lbs.
• Drag Coefficient: 0.35 Cd
• Curb weight: 4756 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 16.3 degrees
• Angle of departure: 21.4 degrees

Exterior Options

• Power Sunroof
• Bright Side Roof Rails

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 3.6 L
• Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
• Cylinders: V6
• Valves: 24
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 260 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
• Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
• Turning circle: 37.1 ft.

• Base engine type: flex-fuel (FFV)

DriveTrain

• Drive type: rear wheel drive
• Transmission: 5-speed shiftable automatic
• Brake hill holder

Suspension

• Double wishbone front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: flex-fuel (FFV)
• Fuel type: flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
• Fuel tank capacity: 24.6 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 393.6/565.8 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 16/23 mpg

Mechanical Options

• 3.47 Rear Axle Ratio
• 3.06 Rear Axle Ratio
• Engine Block Heater

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front, rear and third row head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• Auto delay off headlamps
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Post-collision safety system
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Emergency braking preparation
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Brake drying

Warranty

• Basic: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.
• Roadside: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Rust: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 39.9 in.
• Front hip room: 57.0 in.
• Front leg room: 40.3 in.
• Front shoulder room: 58.5 in.
• Cloth
• Fold flat passenger seat
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 56.0 in.
• Rear head room: 39.8 in.
• Rear leg room: 38.6 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 58.3 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Reclining rear seats
• Folding center armrest
• Manual folding split-bench third row seats
• Rear heater unit

Power Features

• Remote power door locks
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 2 one-touch power windows

Convenience

• Cruise control
• Cargo net
• Front console with storage
• Front, rear and 3rd row cupholders
• Front door pockets
• Overhead console with storage
• Retained accessory power
• Front seatback storage
• Electric power steering
• 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel

Comfort

• Interior air filtration
• Three zone climate control
• Cargo area light
• Front and rear reading lights
• Front and rear floor mats
• Dual vanity mirrors

Instrumentation

• Clock
• Tachometer
• Trip computer
• External temperature display
• Low fuel level warning
• Compass

In Car Entertainment

• Mast antenna
• 6 total speakers
• AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
• Sirius satellite radio
• Auxiliary MP3 audio input
• 12 Months of provided satellite radio service

Telematics

• Pre-wired for phone

Interior Options

• Popular Equipment Group
• Power 8-Way Driver Seat

Packages

• UConnect/Leather Accents Group
• Trailer Tow Group IV
• Quick Order Package 26A