2001 Dodge Durango: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's SUV is sized between midsize and full-size rivals and offers three rows of seats. A 235-hp V8 is standard. A 245-hp V8 is optional and is required with the sporty R/T option package. Both engines have automatic transmission. Durango is available with rear-wheel drive, 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. Rear ABS is standard; 4-wheel ABS is optional. Side airbags are unavailable. Front bucket seats and a 3-place 2nd-row bench are standard. A front bench is available, as is a 2-place 3rd-row seat.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.