By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US
For 2016 the Dodge Durango R/T Blacktop RWD brings a combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling.
Exterior
The Dodge design team went to work to create an exterior that conveys how advanced the Durango is, while maintaining the muscular body and confident personality customers expect from Dodge.
The 2016 Dodge Durango R/T features projector beam headlamps, with LED daytime running lamps on the Blacktop package. The LED lamps run horizontally along the bottom edge of the headlamp and form a unique hockey-stick shape. Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps are standard. Auto-leveling technology adjusts headlight beam aim for slight changes in elevation.
For a monochromatic appearance, the R/T models are equipped with dark-tinted headlamp bezels, body-color front, rear lower fascias and sill moldings, all unique to this package. In addition, the Blacktop Package adds its own unique Gloss Black crosshair grille and gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The rear of the Durango sees the dramatic LED racetrack tail lamp design inspired by the Dodge Charger and Dart. This latest evolution of the racetrack design features technology that blends the individual LEDs into one seamless looking ribbon of light. Large 3.5-inch dual exhaust tips are standard on V-8-equipped vehicles, and Blacktop Packages.
Interior
Dodge designers have brought Durango to the forefront of technology in the three-row SUV segment, while taking nothing away from the utility and build quality for which Durango is known.
Now standard for 2016 on the R/T model are front ventilated Nappa leather seats with the choice of Radar Red or black Nappa leather, perforated and heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power eight-way passenger seats, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, premium 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with 3D voice-activated navigation, cargo net and cargo compartment cover.
Framing the instrument cluster is a three-spoke steering wheel with standard paddle shifters. The buttons to control TFT driver information functions are large and illuminated to make them easier to operate. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access reside along the bottom edge of the vertical spokes. Audio controls are found on the back of the upper steering wheel spokes.
A versatile 60/40 split folding second-row seat conveniently folds and tumbles. Transporting long items, like 10-foot 2x4s, is not a problem as the left side of the second row folds 60 percent, allowing the versatility of folding the 40 percent seat in tandem with the front passenger fold-flat seat. Longer items can be stowed even with passengers in the second row. To make passengers more comfortable, second-row seats also are available with heat, and they recline 18 degrees.
The third-row seat features a 50/50 split and is easily folded from the rear of the vehicle. For even more utility, both the second- and third-row seats fold to provide a flat load floor to haul a 6-foot couch with room for a coffee table. Clever touches abound, including a switch in the instrument panel to remotely lower the third-row headrests when not in use.
State of the art technology
The R/T models have the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. This screen controls the audio, climate, phone, vehicle functions, navigation and the Uconnect Access system. This system provides large, easy to read graphics including 3D mapping with intuitive, easy-to-use controls.
Customers can put away their smartphones, keep their hands on the steering wheel and still interact with their devices in the ways to which they are accustomed. Media apps from Pandora to iHeart radio to Slacker are all available via voice command, a function of Uconnect’s powerful, Cloud-based voice recognition capability. Uconnect Access allows the driver to execute many of the normal functions, such as climate, audio, texting and Bluetooth, all by voice.
Durango also has the ability to be used as a Wi-Fi hot spot. A Yelp search engine can be used via voice command if the driver needs to find a destination. Uconnect navigation then calculates a route and stores the destination’s telephone number for hands-free calling.
Mounted on the back of the front seats is an available Blu-ray video rear entertainment system. This system features two high-resolution 9-inch screens, one on each front seat back. Each screen allows customers to watch their movies on Blu-ray or standard DVDs or play their high-definition media interface gaming systems via inputs for HDMI cables or RCAs for each screen integrated into the front seat backs. Wireless headphones are included as is a wireless remote.
Performance
Under the hood the 2016 Dodge Durango R/T features the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine it produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine’s Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode, when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.
For 2016, all Dodge Durango models now offer Sport mode capability, which drivers can select for a more responsive driving experience. Turning on Sport mode changes the steering calibration, pedal calibration and shift pattern to further enhance the Durango’s outstanding on-road driving performance.
The 2016 Dodge Durango R/T features a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary shifter and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard equipment. This state-of-the-art transmission improves fuel economy up to 15 percent compared with the five-speed automatic it replaced, along with enhanced performance and along with enhanced performance and smoother shifts.
Summary
With a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy and performance, LED exterior lighting, a programmable digital instrument cluster and an available high-definition dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system, the Dodge Durango reaches even higher levels of sophistication building on its proven performance, utility and comfort.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $41,995.00, the one I drove included the Technology Group, Black Top Package, Rear DVD Entertainment Center and Second Row Fold / Tumble Captain Chairs, and it came in at $48,270.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 14 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
