2021 Dodge Durango to get surprisingly hefty refresh?

The Dodge Durango may be on its way out as a new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee goes into production, but it’s apparently going to stick around for a while—and get a hefty refresh along the way. It’s possible that the Durango may even continue for a few years, as a serious tow SUV that undercuts the future Jeep Wagoneer by thousands of dollars. At least, that’s what AutoBison claims, and they take the idea seriously enough to have a rendering.

The current Durango has been around for a while, but aside from fuel economy, it’s still quite competitive—if overshadowed by the Grand Cherokee. The two vehicles are built in the same Detroit plant, and have the same platform; the main differences are a little more length in the Dodge, providing room for a third row of seats, and a suspension more tuned for on-road than off-road driving.

AutoBison reported that the 2021 Durango is set to get eTorque engines, as part of FCA’s effort to cut back on its subsidies for Tesla. A new front fascia, seen in disguise during testing, will have more aggressive vents, with integrated fog lights and LED headlights (see the rendering for their idea of what the effect may be).

Several sources have also said that a Hellcat-based Durango SRT is on the way, either replacing or adding to the current (and surprisingly potent) 392 Hemi Durango. Regardless, 2021 Durango buyers will see a new dashboard, and top-model buyers may get the 10-inch UConnect 5 system from the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle.

Some may ask why FCA would spend the money, when the Grand Cherokee three-row and the Wagoneer are coming; but they might be setting up the Durango to be the value leader of the group, or they might be targeting a completely different audience from the Jeep buyers. There might be suspension tweaks to make the Durango even more capable on-road, as it’s decoupled from the Grand Cherokee, as well.

It’s quite possible the Durango will stick around as long as customers want it—which frees up Jeeps to be Jeeps, so to speak. The Durango can soak up the big-SUV volume, while the Wagoneer and three-row Grand Cherokee are more off-road-oriented, and more expensive. It seems like a clever strategy.   Original 2021 Durango story

David Zatz founded Allpar in 1998 (based on a site he had begun in 1993-94), after years of writing reviews for retail trades. He has been quoted by the New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Detroit News, and USA Today. His books are Dodge Viper: The Full Story of the World’s First V10 Sports Car, Wagoneer, Gladiator, Comanche, and Scrambler: Jeep’s Go-Anywhere Vehicles, and The Rise and Reinvention of Chrysler Minivans:
How a rejected idea became a 14-million-sale success, available in ebook and paper formats.

Before making Allpar a full-time career, David was a consultant in organizational psychology, leading to his research and change and Mac statistics software sites. You can reach him at his personal site.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2020/02/2021-dodge-durango-to-get-surprisingly-hefty-refresh-47385?fbclid=IwAR2rFZAsvyL9j_HUX0f78Eys08pYMlKPecExViuFZChNvS-JSDC5KPDhuF4

You have an RT even if you have an SE

Back in 2014, Chrysler added an extended warranty to early 3.6 liter V6 engines. The otherwise highly reliable engine could have a flaw in the left-hand cylinder head, which made itself known only under an odd set of circumstances (that was relatively common in Wranglers). Knowing that, Chrysler covered it for parts and labor for a good long time — 150,000 miles or ten years, whichever came first.

The extended warranty covered the 2011, 2012, and early-2013 Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Durango, minivans, 200, Avenger, Journey, Challenger, Charger, and 300 with engine sales code ERB, if a trouble code of P0300, P0302, P0304, or P0306 was set (for a misfire in cylinder 2, 4, 6, or a combination of cylinders).

Some customers were confused by the service bulletin itself, when they saw it, since it refers to the cars by body code. The Caravan listing has (RT) next to it, suggesting that only the RT (R/T) trim level was covered. In this case, though, RT is a body code, not a model; the Caravan SE is an RT-body. Confusing, yes, but, really, only for that generation of Caravans. Oh, and the LX cars (for 2011-13, that’s just the 300), since Chrysler used to have LX as a model (along with LXi).

Fortunately, Chrysler never used JC, JK, JS, LC, LD, WD, or WK as trim levels.

U.S. dealers should have details as part of warranty bulletin D-14-12, dated June 10, 2014. Other warranty bulletins were SAB-2014-11 (Canada), BG-22-14 (Mexico), ID-14-04 (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), and ID-14-03 (everywhere else).

Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 engines were critically acclaimed for their power, economy, and quiet operation; they have generally been trouble-free after the head issues were resolved.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2019/02/you-have-an-rt-even-if-you-have-an-se-43801?fbclid=IwAR1OEj0U0BiGQIAfA6IktibCQNU7GOt2s1xFaFrxXTsFfZytxSIxSx4ueaE

Durango vs Wagoneer: making room

Years ago, when word of a new Jeep Wagoneer first reached Allpar’s ears, we were told that it would replace the Dodge Durango, which is essentially a lengthened, street-tuned Grand Cherokee. That was before a surprisingly successful ad campaign starring Will Ferrell in his Ron Burgundy character.

When Durango sales rose, the thought of having the Durango and Wagoneer co-exist inevitably arose, but how would they differentiate the two?

According to long-time source redriderbob, the first step will be dropping the Dodge Durango Citadel, which is covered in luxury trim. Instead, the future Durango will be performance-focused, fitting the Dodge theme and raison d’être. There will be an entry-level Durango with two-row seating for five, to help absorb some Journey buyers when that crossover is replaced by a smaller, sportier rear drive version.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer itself is likely to take on all the luxury trappings of the Citadel, but might retain the Grand Cherokee’s off-road-capable suspension design.

There is also speculation that the Wagoneer — since a company rep has talked about there being both a Wagoneer and a Grand Wagoneer — would be a higher-end, lengthened Jeep Cherokee. It could also be based on the forthcoming rear-drive Dodge Journey.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/2016/09/durango-vs-wagoneer-making-room-33314

Test Drive the 2017 Dodge Durango Today!

For a three-row crossover that is equipped with modern features that help make your drive run smoothly and can comfortably accommodate you, your passengers, and your cargo, we have good news here at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Dick Scott Motor Mall with the 2017 Dodge Durango. You can find out everything you need to know about this family-friendly SUV today! We can’t wait to share with you all the new and exciting features the 2017 Durango has to offer.

There are plenty of engine options to choose from, so you can customize your drive according to your needs. The 3.6L V6 engine is able to work up 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while its counterpart, the 5.7L V8 powertrain, wows you with its 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Enabling you to effortlessly change gears is the 8-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard on the 2017 Durango. And for the extra support you need when the roads get covered in snow during the long Midwest winters, you can opt for the available AWD system.

With its strong body frame and distinct design, it’s hard to turn away from the alluring 2017 Dodge Durango for sale in Plymouth, MI and Fowlerville, MI. When you’re behind the wheel of this full-size SUV while on your way to West Ridge Shopping Center for some weekend fun, onlookers won’t be able to help but stop and stare. Coming standard are the 18-inch painted-aluminum wheels and heated side mirrors, so your morning commutes during winter are a little easier to bear. Available exterior features include 20-inch aluminum-painted wheels, chrome accents, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Without a doubt, the 2017 Durango’s strong sweeping sidelines, finely-sculpted body frame, and signature front grille will impress all those who look upon it.

Inside of the Dodge Durango, you’ll find plenty of comforts that make you feel right at home. Standard amenities include cloth-trimmed seats, steering wheel-mounted controls, an AM/FM radio, and a remote keyless entry. Dual-zone automatic climate control is found on the base trim of the Durango, so you and your front passenger can stay at an ideal temperature throughout the entire trip. To easily stow away your everyday items, Dodge engineers have included an available 50/50 split-folding third-row bench and standard split-folding second-row seats, so you can adjust your Durango’s cabin configurations according to your needs. However, if you want to add some extra hints of luxury to your Durango’s cabin, consider leather-appointed seats, a heated multi-power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and an available sunroof.
We are excited that now the new 2017 Dodge Durango for sale in Plymouth, MI and Fowlerville, MI is here at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Dick Scott Motor Mall! It’s here on our sales lot, so make sure to take a test drive in the all-new Durango.

2015 Dodge Durango – Full Review and Test Drive

Ever wanted a Jeep Grand Cherokee with three rows of seats and room for seven people? Is the extent of your off-road adventuring limited to farm roads, campground trails, and blizzards? Well then, I have good news!

The Dodge Durango is just the SUV you’ve been wanting. It just doesn’t have a Jeep badge on it.

Say what now?

Yep, under the sheet-metal, the 2015 Dodge Durango shares its heart and soul with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Durango sits on a wheelbase stretched five inches, is about a foot longer, and rides half an inch closer to the ground, negatively impacting its ability to travel as far off the beaten path as a Grand Cherokee.

Otherwise, the two vehicles overlap in terms of powertrains, infotainment technologies, materials, and even that all-important new car smell. No surprise, they’re built in the same Detroit assembly plant, too.

Of the two, I prefer the Durango. It is more practical, and it drives better on pavement, where 90-percent of typical SUV buyers spend 100-percent of their time. In fact, the Durango is one of my favorite family-sized SUVs, and except for a “Marginal” rating in an important crash-test assessment and a 3-star rollover resistance rating when it is equipped with 2-wheel drive, I have but one qualm about recommending one.

My test vehicle sure looks swanky with its blacked out grille, wheels, and badges, but this appearance, included in the optional Blacktop Package, isn’t really for me. I prefer my Durango blinged out, Citadel-style. This Bright White Durango Limited, though, attracted plenty of attention; usually from the types of guys that I hope my daughters never bring home to meet the parents.

A Durango Limited starts at $37,890, including a destination charge of $995. An all-wheel-drive system costs $2,600, and improves the Durango’s rollover resistance rating to 4 stars.

My test model had the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine, but you can choose a 5.7-liter V-8 if you’ve got an extra $3,795 that you don’t know what to do with. Add the Blacktop Package, the Premium Group, the Safety/Security and Convenience Group, and a set of second-row captain’s chairs, and the price rises to $45,765 for the Durango I tested.

Good looking, and equipped with an interior featuring quality materials rendered in tasteful tones and textures, the Durango strikes me as a quality piece of work, even luxurious in some respects. Think twice about getting black leather seats, though, because they transform the cabin into a cave. Thoughtfully, Dodge makes the Black/Light Frost leather option available with nearly every paint color.

Comfort levels are high, especially for front seat occupants, and unlike many other 3-row SUVs, adults can actually ride in a Durango’s rearmost seating area for more than just a few minutes before committing mutiny.

My test vehicle’s Premium Group added a power rear liftgate, a premium sound system, a power sunroof, and a navigation system. The awkwardly named Safety/Security and Convenience Group installed a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection, rain-sensing wipers, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and HID headlights with automatic high-beam control. The rear-seat entertainment system’s omission meant my kids looked out of the Durango’s windows and discovered the world around them, or took a much-needed nap.

Trailer towing equipment is optional for the Durango, and because this SUV is built on a more robust platform than your typical crossover SUV, it can tow a substantial amount of weight. My test model’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine – bumped from 290-horsepower to 295-horsepower thanks to the Blacktop option package – could tug up to 6,200 pounds. The optional 360-horse, 5.7-liter V-8 engine can handle up to 7,400 lbs. of trailer.

As far as cargo carrying is concerned, a Durango can haul up to seven people and as much as 17.2 cu.-ft. of cargo, but that last number is a bit misleading. You’ll be stacking stuff to the roof in order to take advantage of the maximum number, so what you’ve really got is about 12 cu.-ft. of space in combination with a full load of passengers.

Put the kids in the second-row seat, fold the third-row seat, and a Durango supplies 47.7 cu.-ft. of cargo, a generous amount of space. Maximum utility measures 84.5 cu.-ft. Compare those numbers to the 5-passenger Grand Cherokee, which comes in at 36.3 cu.-ft. and 68.3 cu.-ft., respectively.

Though my test vehicle did not have the optional V-8 engine, I never felt the Durango demonstrated a lack of power. Dip into the throttle, and the Durango moves off the line with authority. As revs climb, such as when entering a fast-moving freeway, the engine’s response fades somewhat, but you’re unlikely to wish for extra grunt unless you’ve got a trailer attached, and you’re heading up a mountain grade.

An 8-speed automatic transmission with a rather unconventional rotary shift dial fed the power to the ground on a continuous basis, splitting delivery in half with 50-percent going to the front wheels and 50-percent going to the rear wheels. This is perfect for dwellers of foul-weather regions, as you never need to manually engage the AWD or choose a specific type of program with regard to how the power flows to the wheels.

Does this negatively impact fuel economy? In combined driving, the ratings drops from 20 mpg for the rear-drive model to 19 mpg for the AWD model, so the answer is “not really.” I averaged 18.6 mpg, so the EPA’s official numbers appear to be somewhat accurate, for a change.

Despite the optional 20-inch aluminum wheels, the Durango’s ride quality is impressive, and this is a remarkably quiet vehicle on the highway. Handling is certainly improved by the bigger tires, and around town the Durango feels athletic. Don’t take this to mean you can toss it down a winding country road, though. Dodge programs the stability control system to step in early, which is fine given the type of vehicle and that 3-star rollover resistance rating for the rear-drive version.

The Durango’s brakes proved disappointing when driving in the mountains on a day with temperatures in the low 70s, fading to the point where I almost could not engage the ABS during a panic stop. For a vehicle designed to carry so many people and tow so much weight, this is flatly unacceptable. The V-8 engine option also adds larger front brakes and ventilated rear brakes. I would strongly urge Dodge to just make those standard on all Durangos.

Traditional hydraulic steering is also a part of the V-8 engine upgrade, and I’ll bet it is more satisfying than the electric-assisted steering that comes with the V-6 engine. Lifeless on center, the steering is too quick off-center for this size and type of vehicle.

Dodge definitely has a good thing going with the Durango. A structural upgrade to improve the Durango’s performance in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and additional attention to detail regarding the brakes and steering, would make this appealing and practical family-size SUV super easy to recommend.

Then, Dodge would just need to get the word out, starting with Jeep Grand Cherokee buyers who have no plans to venture far from pavement.

Read more at: http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/autos-suvs/2015-dodge-durango-%E2%80%93-full-review-and-test-drive/ar-AAdfS5h

Durango R/T gets optional red Nappa seats

Two years after they were shown in a concept car, Dodge is providing optional “Radar Red” Nappa leather seats on the Dodge Durango R/T. They were previously only put into the Dodge Charger and Challenger, and are now an $1,195 option (black Nappa leather, already available at this price, will continue).

The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T also adds a new standard glossy “Granite Crystal” (gray) set of 20-inch wheels. It continues to be differentiated from other Durangos by a sport-tuned suspension with a 20mm lower ride height, black headlamp bezels and LED daytime running lamps, embroidered leather seating with contrasting red or black stitching, 8.4-inch touchscreen telematics with nine speakers, power liftgate, and HID low-beam headlamps.

The R/T’s 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds.

As read on: http://allparnews.com/index.php/2015/03/durango-rt-gets-optional-red-nappa-seats-28180

Chrysler limits colors for Durango and Grand Cherokee

Chrysler is echoing Henry Ford’s famous quote: “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.”

The only difference is that Chrysler is adding white, gray and silver to the choices.

Automotive News reporter Larry Vellequette writes that orders for new Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees will be temporarily limited to those four colors as the paint shop at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant is upgraded to allow tricolor finishes on the popular SUVs.

Even though the limitation will be in place until at least February 2015, it most likely won’t be too onerous. According to automotive paintmaker PPG,  the most popular color in North America in 2014 has been white, followed by black, gray and silver – 72% of all 2014 vehicles were painted in one of those colors. Silver, once the most popular color, has fallen from favor in recent years.

Vellequette notes that just 19% of the Jeep Grand Cherokees and 8% of the Durangos on dealer lots are painted in a color other than the top four.

Of more concern to dealers is the fact the plant will shut down for three weeks from December 22 to January 12. This is the first time in several years the assembly line has been halted for such an extended period. In October, the plant produced 38,241 vehicles, up 20% from a year ago. October NAFTA region sales of the Durango and Grand Cherokee totaled 22,017 and the Grand Cherokee was the second-best-selling Chrysler Group vehicle.

As read on: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/11/chrysler-limits-colors-for-durango-and-grand-cherokee

2015 Durango additions

Refreshed  in 2014 with a standard eight-speed automatic and other improvements, the 2015 Dodge Durango has had few “core” changes but two package changes and a new Black Forest Green Pearl paint (SXT, Limited, and Citadel only). The popular Rallye and Blacktop packages are now available across more models.

 

The Rallye appearance package carries over from 2014’s SXT, except that the headlamps are ow halogens with LED daytime running lights. It is now available on V6 Limited Durangos, as well as SXTs. The package includes a roof-rack delete, 20” black aluminum wheels, bright-tipped dual exhaust, and body-color grille surround,  front and rear fascia, wheel lip moldings, sill moldings, and “shark fin” antenna.

A new interior on SXT Rallye includes black Capri leather seats with suede inserts and light gray stitching, with matching door and center console armrests.

The Blacktop package is now available on SXT, Limited, and R/T; it includes a body-color shark-fin antenna, LED daytime running lights with black bezels, and gloss-black grille, fog-lamp surrounds, 20-inch wheels and center caps, Durango badges, side mirrors, and grille surrounds. The SXT gets a new leather interior similar to the Rallye interior, but with slate accent stitching, brushed silver door and instrument panel appliqués, black headliner and A-pillars, and perforated suede seat inserts.

As read on: https://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/09/2015-durango-additions

Chrysler’s Jefferson Avenue Plant Builds its 5 Millionth Vehicle

The Jefferson Avenue plant stands close to a plant that ran for 83 years, making 8.3 million cars for Chalmers, Maxwell, Imperial, Dodge, DeSoto, and Plymouth, closing around 1990. Jefferson Avenue North plant has made Grand Cherokees, Grand Cherokee-based Commanders, and Grand Cherokee-based Durangos — and nothing else.

Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) has been manufacturing Chrysler vehicles since January 1992, starting with a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 21 years later, workers on hand celebrated and cheered as the plant’s 5,000,000th vehicle was built in the motor city. On display for the assembled guests was an original 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the first made, with around 8,000 miles on the clock.

Chrysler’s “JNAP” opened with 1.75 million square feet of manufacturing space, and has since expanded to over three million. The plant originally had 1,600 employees on two shifts, and now has over 4,500 workers on three shifts, for 120 hours of production every week.

I had the opportunity to visit JNAP in 2011, when Chrysler group was beginning to roll out WCM. The attitude of the workers in the plant was inspiring as they joked and laughed, everyone smiling and coming together to build a world class set of vehicles (Jeep Grand Cherokee, SRT Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Durango). Two years later, the attitudes and smiles of the workers are even brighter.

Chrysler invited 30 year veterans to attend this morning’s celebration; most have been at the plant since it opened.

Manufacturing chief Scott Gaberding said, “I had the privilege of being plant manager here in 2000, working alongside this very skilled workforce. Now as the head of manufacturing, I continue to be impressed by the commitment that is demonstrated here every day. As sales of the Grand Cherokee continue to increase to record levels, we are asking our employees to do more and they have responded by rising to the challenge. They are the heart and soul of this plant and this company, and have been entrusted to build a vehicle that is critical to the continued success of Chrysler Group.”

Chrysler will donate the 5,000,000th vehicle, a billet silver Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, to the USO as part of the partnership that continues Jeep’s commitment to the military by providing support and aid to returning troops.

“In 1991, when this plant was built and preparing to produce the first Jeep Grand Cherokee, the USO was celebrating its 50th anniversary of supporting our troops, so it seemed obvious to us at Jeep was by donating a new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee to our partners at the USOs” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep. “The USO and Jeep, both founded in 1941, share a common history and commitment to supporting our military men and women. We’re honored to support the USO as they continue their dedication to lifting the spirits of American troops and families.”

The Jeep Grand Cherokee will be used by the USO at its facilities in Pensacola, Florida and outfitted with a commemorative plaque signed by CEO Sergio Marchionne to show its very special history.

As read on: http://www.allpar.com/corporate/factories/5-million.html

Durango. Burgundy. It’s Kind of a Big Deal.

We’ve seen it before – the well-known TV anchorman we’ve grown up watching on the news turns into a product pitchman. But a fictional TV news anchor? Don’t act like you’re not impressed. I’m talking about the partnership between the Dodge brand and Paramount Pictures – the much anticipated film ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.’

If you haven’t yet seen the new spots, you are in for a treat. If you haven’t seen them all, you’ll be in for a laugh for some time to come. There are 70 different spots featuring Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy, starring as the pitchman of the new 2014 Dodge Durango.

During today’s ad briefing, Chief Marketing Officer of Chrysler Group LLC Olivier Francois explained that it’s a “unique way to showcase the cutting-edge technology of the Dodge Durango in a completely unexpected approach that is fresh, funny and culturally provocative.”

The humor lies in the fact that Ferrell delivers the pitch in the character of Ron Burgundy, an arrogant anchorman straight out of the 1970s, which means he has a bit of a different take on the many features of the Dodge Durango.

In one spot, Burgundy completely ignores the advanced technology of the 2014 Dodge Durango and instead concentrates on what fits nicely in the glove box.

In another spot, see him discuss the Dodge Durango’s 360 horsepower with a single horse:

That’s just two of the commercials. What’s next? More of the 70 spots will roll out in the coming weeks. All of them can be viewed on the BurgundyDodge.com. They won’t all roll out at once, so check back often. The spots will help build anticipation for “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” You can also follow our Facebook page to see other video content. (Also, when you “Like” our Facebook page this month we are donating a $1.00 for each new “Like” to Breast Cancer in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!)

Seventy spots may sound like a lot, but with a talented actor and comedian behind the wheel, the ads rolled off Ferrell’s tongue totally unscripted and ad-libbed. That’s a lot of content and a lot of humor.

The spots will air through the end of the year. The movie arrives in theaters Dec. 20. The 2014 Dodge Durango is in showrooms now.

When it comes to a unique and effective advertising campaign, you have to admit, it’s kind of a big deal.