2006 Dodge Durango Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

An antiskid system, eight-passenger seating, and a power liftgate are new Durango features for 2006. This truck-type SUV lends its design to the 2007 Chrysler Aspen. It comes in SXT, SLT, and Limited models. It's available with three engines: a 210-hp V6, a 230-hp V8, and Chrysler's 335-hp Hemi V8 that saves fuel by deactivating four cylinders during cruising. All have automatic transmission. All models are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; V8 AWD models are available with low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Traction control is no longer offered, but an antiskid system is now standard on Limited and optional on other models. Curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are available. A power liftgate is newly standard on Limited, optional on SLT. SXTs seat five, SLTs seven. For '06, Limited trades a two-passenger 3rd-row seat for a three-passenger, increasing capacity to eight from seven. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard on Limited, optional on SLT. Among available features: a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, and a wireless cell phone link.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

News

The 2007 Durangos sport revised front-end styling and added standard features including curtain side airbags, traction/antiskid control, and tire-pressure monitor. There are new options too, such as rear-obstacle detection, remote starting system, 2nd-row bucket seats, and 20-inch wheels. In addition, the 4.7-liter V8 is revised to run on E85 ethanol fuel. But the big news is available gasoline/electric power, the fruit of a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, and Germany's BMW. GM plans to offer its own version of this hybrid system on full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs by late 2007. The gas/electric Durango, Chrysler Group's first hybrid, uses a so-called "two-mode" system. This employs a 5.7 Hemi V8 assisted by two small electric motors instead one larger unit, plus a continuously variable automatic transmission. Dodge claims up to 25 percent better fuel economy than a regular Hemi Durango, plus more-responsive power delivery than "traditional" hybrids. Other '07 Durango details, including prices, have yet to be released, but keep checking back with us for all the latest.

2006 Dodge Durango Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Acceleration (V6)

Trailer-towing capability	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
1	3	5	5

V6 weak in initial acceleration and passing power; Dodge estimates 12.2 sec 0-60 mph. The 4.7-liter V8 is strong off the line, but passing power tepid; estimated 10.2 sec 0-60-mph time is mediocre. Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though Dodge's estimate of 8.2 sec 0-60 mph is no quicker than that of a number of other midsize SUVs. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 lb.

Fuel Economy

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
3	2	2	3.8

No opportunity to measure with V6. Test AWD SLTs with 4.7 V8 averaged 13.2-13.9 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Test AWD Limited with 5.7 V8 averaged 13.9-15.3 mpg.

Ride Quality

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
6	6	6	5.4

Among the nicest-riding domestic SUVs. Irons out small imperfections without sloppy side-to-side motions. Some bouncing over ruts and larger bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
4	4	4	4.1

Steering direct but overassisted, and Durango reacts slowly in quick changes of direction. Moderate body lean in turns. Fine brake pedal feel.

Quietness

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

Engines quiet at idle, growl under acceleration. No noticeable tire whine. Wind rush starts at 60 mph, but never drowns out normal conversation.

Controls

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Gauges always easy to read. All controls within arm's reach. Materials not fancy, but mostly durable looking and appropriate for the price, despite some lightweight plastic pieces. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

Plenty of leg and head room, even with optional sunroof. High, commanding view of the road. Easy to find comfortable driving position. Thick front pillars obstruct view around corners. Large mirrors aid rear vision, and available DVD screen does not block view astern. Entry/exit requires large step-in, but becomes easier with available running boards.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
7	7	7	6.2

Second row has good head, leg, toe room. Leg room only tight for taller riders with front seat fully back. Second row flips and folds with one hand to allow access to 3rd row. Third row can accommodate adults, but seat bottom lacks thigh support.

Cargo Room

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
9	9	9	8.3

Cargo volume among best in class. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold to create nearly flat floor. SLT's 3rd-row bench seat can only be folded from inside the vehicle, and only after cushion is moved forward. Limited's split 3rd row can be folded in an easier one-step operation from outside tailgate area. Liftover is relatively low, and tailgate opens at floor level for easy loading. Plenty of in-cabin storage, including deep center console and useful console tray.

Value within Class

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
4	7	8	5.7

Durango accelerates and rides like a good midsize SUV, but matches some large models for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches the big SUVs in poor fuel economy, too. Still, avoid the underpowered V6 in favor of a V8, preferably the 5.7-liter Hemi. Thus equipped, Durango is a Recommended pick.

Total Score

2WD SXT, 3.7	AWD SLT, 4.7	AWD Limited, 5.7	Class Average
53	57	60	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66

2006 Dodge Durango Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD SXT 4-door wagon	$28,550	$26,090	$745

AWD SXT 4-door wagon	$31,530	$28,777	$745

2WD SLT 4-door wagon	$30,650	$27,959	$745

AWD SLT 4-door wagon	$33,630	$30,646	$745

2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$35,385	$32,173	$745

AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$37,510	$34,099	$745

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

SXT

Powertrain

3.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, passenger-side visor mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare, 245/70R17 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

SLT adds to SXT:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning and heater, 8-way power driver seat, 3rd-row 2-passenger folding bench seat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Limited adds to SLT:

Powertrain

4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio (includes one year service), heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, power liftgate, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

265/60R18 on/off-road tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
26/28F Adventurer Quick Order Pkg.
SLT	$1,575	$1,355
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio (includes one year service), Adventurer kit, rear cargo organizer, rubber floormats and cargo mat, roof rack, tubular side steps, unique exterior trim. 2WD requires optional engine.

26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
SLT	$1,630	$1,402
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio (include one year service), upgraded sound system, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, map lights, automatic headlights, cargo net, alarm. 2WD requires optional engine.

Travel Convenience Group
Limited	$2,060	$1,772
Curtain side airbags, navigation system, chrome alloy wheels.

Sun, Safe, and Sound Group
SLT	$1,140	$980
Curtain side airbags, power sunroof, upgraded sound system. Requires 26/28G Quick Order Pkg. 2WD requires optional engine.

Interior Convenience Group
SLT	$560	$482
SLT w/Adventurer Pkg.	$520	$447
Overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, map lights, automatic headlights.

Light-Duty Trailer Tow Group AHT
2WD SXT/SLT	$345	$297
Heated power mirrors, 7-wire harness, hitch receiver. NA w/V8 engine.

Trailer Tow Group AHC
SXT, SLT	$525	$452
Limited	$455	$391
Heated power mirrors, heavy-duty service group, heavy-duty cooling and battery, 7-wire harness, Class IV hitch receiver. 2WD SXT/SLT require optional engine.

Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD SXT/SLT	$785	$675
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.

5.7-liter V8 engine
2WD SLT	$1,780	$1,531
AWD SLT, Limited	$995	$856
2WD SLT requires 5-speed automatic transmission.

5-speed automatic transmission
2WD SXT/SLT	$75	$65
Requires V8 engine. AWD requires 2-speed transfer case.

2-speed transfer case
AWD SLT/Limited	$195	$168


Special axle ratio
SLT, Limited	$40	$34


Safety
Curtain side airbags
Limited, SLT, SXT	$565	$486


Antiskid system
SXT, SLT	$500	$430


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
SXT	$650	$559
Requires 3rd-row seat.

DVD entertainment system
SLT, Limited	$0	$0
SLT requires 26/28F Adventurer Quick Order Pkg. or 26/28G Quick Order Pkg. 2WD SLT requires optional engine.

Navigation system
Limited	$1,595	$1,372


Power sunroof
SLT, Limited	$850	$731
SLT requires Interior Convenience Group.

Power-adjustable pedals
SLT	$120	$103


Leather upholstery
SLT	$1,025	$882
Includes 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Heated front seats
SLT	$250	$215


3rd-row 2-passenger seat
SXT	$670	$576


3rd-row 3-passenger split folding seat
SLT	$300	$258


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SXT, SLT	$300	$258


Subwoofer
SLT	$225	$194
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.

Upgraded sound system
SLT	$720	$619
SLT w/leather upholstery	$670	$576


Satellite radio
SLT, Limited	$195	$168
Includes one year service.

UConnect
Limited	$275	$237
Wireless cell phone link.

Power liftgate
SLT	$400	$344
Requires Interior Convenience Group.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Limited, SLT, SXT	$35	$30


Metallic paint
Limited, SLT, SXT	$150	$129


Pearlcoat paint
Limited, SLT, SXT	$225	$194


Running boards
SXT, SLT	$395	$340
Limited	$445	$383


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
AWD	$170	$146


18-inch alloy wheels
SLT	$245	$211
Requires 26/28G Quick Order Pkg., 265/60R18 on/off-road tires.

17-inch chrome alloy wheels
SLT	$700	$602
Requires 26/28G Quick Order Pkg.

18-inch chrome alloy wheels
Limited	$700	$602
SLT	$945	$813
SLT requires 265/60R18 on/off-road white-letter tires.

265/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
SLT	$305	$262


265/60R18 on/off-road white-letter tires
SLT	$235	$116
Limited	$135	$113
Requires 26/28G Quick Order Pkg., 18-inch chrome alloy wheels.

2006 Dodge Durango Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Dodge Durango 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	119.2

Overall Length, in.	200.8

Overall Width, in.	76.0

Overall Height, in.	74.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	5024

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	102.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	27.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	40.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	39.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6	sohc V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.7 /225	4.7 /287	5.7 /345

Horsepower @ rpm.	210 @ 5200	230 @ 4600	335 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	235 @ 4000	290 @ 3600	370 @ 4200

Availability	Standard	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	16/21	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	14/18	13/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Dodge Durango 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	3/36,000	$100 deductible per visit.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2006 Dodge Durango Photos

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