2012 Dodge Durango Overview

The Dodge Durango got a complete redesign for 2011. It now features a true upscale exterior, reminiscent of the Lincoln Navigator, an imposing front "crosshair" grille, rounded headlights and a square-ish shape that looks impressive on the road and makes a statement wherever it goes.

The Durango is available three trims: SXT, Crew, R/T and Citadel. All three come with a standard 3.6L V6 and offer a 5.7L Hemi V8 as well as all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. The V6 comes with a 5-speed automatic and a new 6-speed automatic comes with the V8.

The V6 is Chrysler's Pentastar V6. It's capable of 290 horsepower. The 5.7L V8 option is Dodge's venerable "Hemi" engine, but it can put out 360 horses. Properly equipped, the V8 Durango can tow 7,600 lbs.

The base SXT features 18-inch aluminum wheels, rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry and fog lamps. The Crew model adds roof rails, automatic headlamps, a media center audio system that includes a 40GB hard drive, a 6.5-inch touch screen and Bluetooth streaming audio, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Parkview back-up camera.

The R/T comes with rear load-leveling suspension, 20-inch wheels, HID headlamps and sport-tuned suspension.

The top of the line Durango Citadel includes such high tech features as automatic headlamp leveling, rain-sensitive wipers, Garmin-supplied navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control.

Safety equipment on all Durangos includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags and front and rear curtain airbags, electronic stability control and tire pressure monitoring. The Citadel model adds forward collision warning and blind-spot and cross-path detection as part of its standard adaptive cruise control system.

2012 Dodge Durango Model Changes

Following a redesign in 2011, the 2012 only gets trim shuffle. Last year's Express is now the SXT and the "Heat" trim does not return for 2012.

The 5.7L Hemi engine now comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Citadel trim now comes with 20-inch chrome wheels and leather heated/ventilated seats as well as remote start.

2012 Dodge Durango Value

Since its 2011 redesign, the Durango is better than ever. It's got a 3.6L V6 capable of 290 horsepower and a very capable "Hemi" V8 available. All-wheel drive models are available for just over $31,000, and properly equipped, the Durango can tow up to 7,600 lbs. Standard 3-row seating holds up to 7 occupants and even the base Durango comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, satellite radio, remote keyless entry, rear air conditioning, front/side/curtain airbags and electronic stability control.

2012 Dodge Durango Strengths

Upscale appearance; Hemi 5.7L V8 available; seating for 7; strong towing capabilities; all-wheel drive availability