2001 Dodge Durango: Road Test
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2001 Dodge Durango ▼
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- MSRP: $26,650 -$28,770
- Invoice: $24,399 -$26,320
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Our road test for the 2001 Dodge Durango includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Dodge Durango from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Dodge Durango, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Dodge Durango help you decide if a 2001 Dodge Durango is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
The 4.7 V8 is smooth and powerful. Stronger yet is the 5.9, which has a 7600-lb trailer-towing rating that matches that of some full-size SUVs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Fuel consumption is big-SUV greedy. Test 4.7-liter 4x4s averaged only 11.8 mpg. A test 5.9 averaged just 11.2.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
Absorbent and composed even on bumpy roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Doesn't feel ponderous despite usual SUV body lean and nose plowing in fast turns. Directional stability is good. Front-disc/rear-drum brakes don't stop this large vehicle with confidence. Most rivals have standard 4-wheel ABS, which is optional here.
QUIETNESS
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Quiet as most any mid-priced SUV. Road noise is low, wind rush moderate, and engines intrusive only under hard throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
Simple and handy. Dashboard-mounted 4WD switch eliminates previous bulky floor-mounted lever. Quality of materials generally good, although cruder than some rivals. Door handles and some interior details have a flimsy, plasticky feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Generous shoulder, leg, and head room. Step-in height is acceptable even on 4x4s. Rearward vision is impeded by headrests, thick side pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Second row is roomy, but seat padding is disappointingly thin. Available 3rd-row seat is just as cramped as in most full-size SUVs and is for kids, primarily.
CARGO ROOM
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Behind 3rd seat is enough space for a week's groceries. The 2nd- and 3rd-row benches easily fold flat for generous space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 4.2 |
Durango approaches full-size SUVs for roominess and power but sells at midsize-SUV prices. That merits our Recommended rating.
Total Score
| Base 4WD, 4.7 V8 | Base 4WD w/SLT Plus, 5.9 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 56 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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