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2007 Dodge Durango Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
2007 Dodge Durango Review
Dodge's largest SUV gets revised front and rear styling and some new features for 2007. This truck-type SUV shares its design with the Chrysler Aspen and offers seating for five, seven, or eight passengers. Durango comes in SXT, SLT, and Limited models. It's available with three engines: a 210-hp V6, a 235-hp V8, and a 335-hp Hemi V8 with Dodge's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. All have an automatic transmission and are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD models are available with low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Traction control is not offered, but an antiskid system is standard instead of optional for '07, as are curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows. A power liftgate is standard on Limited, optional on SLT. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard on Limited, optional on SLT. Newly available for '07 are 2nd-row bucket seats, remote engine start, 20-inch wheels, and dual-zone climate control. Other available features include a navigation system, rear obstacle detection, power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, and a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
News
Sources say the announced hybrid-power Durango will now debut sometime in 2008, perhaps as an '09 model. The first such vehicle from Chrysler Group, it employs a gasoline/electric powertrain developed by DaimlerChrysler with General Motors, and Germany's BMW. GM plans to offer this so-called two-mode system on full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs by late 2007. The hybrid Durango uses a 5.7 Hemi V8 assisted by two small electric motors instead one larger unit. Drive is to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Dodge claims up to 25 percent better fuel economy vs. a regular Hemi Durango, plus more-responsive power delivery than "traditional" hybrids.

Sources say Durango V6 engines may be replaced by model-year 2010 with new designs boasting greater fuel efficiency. A new 5.6-liter diesel V8 is also rumored for that timeframe. Expected to produce some 260 hp, it's being developed as another joint effort of Chrysler Group and engine specialist Cummins, which has long supplied a straight-six turbodiesel for Dodge's big Ram pickups.
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2007 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 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
1 4 5 5.2

V6 a weakling in this heavy wagon, feels as slow as Dodge's 12.2-sec 0-60 mph estimate. The 4.7-liter V8 is strong off the line, but lacks passing punch; 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 not outstanding for a midsize SUV. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 lb.
Fuel Economy

2WD SXT, 3.7 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
3 2 2 4

No opportunity to measure with V6. Test AWD SLTs with 4.7 V8 averaged 13.2-13.9 mpg. Test AWD Limited with 5.7 V8 averaged 13.9-15.3 mpg.
Ride Quality

2WD SXT, 3.7 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
6 6 6 5.5

Among the nicest-riding domestic SUVs. Irons out small imperfections without sloppy side-to-side motions. Some bouncing over ruts and larger bumps. Little if any ride penalty with available 20-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SXT, 3.7 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
4 4 4 4.5

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 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
5 5 5 5.6

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 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
7 7 7 6.6

Gauges easy to read. All controls within arm's reach. Cabin 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 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
7 7 7 7

Plenty of leg and head room, even beneath housing of 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 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
7 7 7 6.1

Second row has good head, leg, toe room. Leg room tight for taller riders only 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 lacks thigh support.
Cargo Room

2WD SXT, 3.7 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
8 8 8 8

Cargo volume among best in class. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold to create nearly flat floor. One-piece 3rd-row bench seat can only be folded from inside the vehicle, and only after cushion is moved forward. Available on SLT and standard on Limited is a split 3rd row that 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 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
4 5 6 5.9

Durango matches some large SUVs for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches them for poor fuel economy, too. Still, avoid the underpowered V6 in favor of a V8, preferably the 5.7-liter Hemi.
Total Score

2WD SXT, 3.7 V6 AWD SLT, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
52 55 57 58.4
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
69
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2007 Dodge Durango Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/20/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SXT 4-door wagon $26,280 $24,069 $745
AWD SXT 4-door wagon $29,260 $26,756 $745
2WD SLT 4-door wagon $28,950 $26,446 $745
AWD SLT 4-door wagon $31,930 $29,133 $745
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $33,800 $30,762 $745
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $35,925 $32,688 $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, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
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, heated 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, variable-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, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
SLT adds to SXT:
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning and heater, 8-way power driver seat, 2-passenger 3rd-row folding bench seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/60R18 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, 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
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), 3-passenger 3rd-row split folding seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, driver-side automatic day/night, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, power liftgate, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
25/26/28F Adventurer Quick Order Pkg.
SLT
$1,635
$1,406
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, rear cargo organizer, cargo net, rubber floormats and cargo mat, tubular side steps, unique exterior trim, 265/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires, alloy wheels. 2WD requires optional engine.
25/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
SLT
$1,655
$1,423
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, vehicle information center, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rear map lights, automatic headlights, cargo net, alarm. 2WD requires optional engine.
Interior Convenience Group
SLT
$565
$486
SLT w/Adventurer Pkg.
$525
$452
Overhead console, vehicle information center, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rear map lights, cargo net, automatic headlights.
Power Convenience Group
SLT
$655
$563
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power liftgate. Requires Interior Convenience Group or 26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
Light-Duty Trailer Tow Group AHT
2WD SXT/SLT
$275
$237
7-wire harness, hitch receiver. NA w/V8 engine.
Trailer Tow Group AHC
Limited, SLT, SXT
$455
$391
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 SLT
$785
$675
2WD SXT
$485
$417
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine
2WD SXT/SLT
$785
$675
4WD SXT/SLT, Limited
$0
$0
2WD SXT/SLT require 5-speed automatic transmission. NA Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.
5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine w/cylinder deactivation
2WD SLT
$1,780
$1,531
Limited
$995
$856
AWD SLT/Limited
$1,190
$1,023
AWD includes 2-speed transfer case. 2WD SLT requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
5-speed automatic transmission
2WD SXT/SLT
$75
$65
Requires V8 engine.
2-speed transfer case
AWD SLT/Limited
$195
$168
Special axle ratio
SLT, Limited
$40
$34
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
SXT
$650
$559
Includes rear heater. Requires 2-passenger 3rd-row seat.
DVD entertainment system
SLT, Limited
$1,200
$1,032
SLT requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Navigation system
Limited
$1,295
$1,114
Power sunroof
SLT, Limited
$850
$731
SLT requires 25/26/28G Quick Order Pkg. or Interior Convenience Group.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLT
$120
$103
Leather upholstery
SLT
$925
$796
SLT w/25/26/28G Pkg.
$875
$753
Includes 3-passenger 3rd-row split folding seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Heated front seats
SLT
$250
$215
Heated 2nd-row seats
SLT, Limited
$250
$215
Requires 2nd-row bucket seats and heated front seats.
2nd-row bucket seats
SLT, Limited
$700
$602
SLT requires leather upholstery. Requires heated 2nd-row seats when ordered w/heated front seats.
2-passenger 3rd-row seat
SXT
$670
$576
3-passenger 3rd-row 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. Requires 25/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
Alpine sound system
SLT
$520
$447
SLT w/leather upholstery
$470
$404
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
Satellite radio
SXT, SLT
$195
$168
SXT requires rear air conditioning. SLT requires Alpine sound system or 25/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
UConnect
Limited
$275
$237
SLT
$360
$310
Wireless cell phone link. SLT requires 25/26/28G Quick Order Pkg. or Interior Convenience Group and Alpine sound system.
Remote engine start
SLT, Limited
$185
$159
Upgraded floormats
Limited, SLT, SXT
$30
$26
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Limited, SLT, SXT
$35
$30
Special paint
Limited, SLT, SXT
$150
$129
Premium paint
Limited, SLT, SXT
$225
$194
Running boards
SXT, SLT
$405
$348
Limited
$445
$383
Bodyside moldings
SXT
$75
$65
Laminated side glass
SLT, Limited
$300
$258
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
AWD
$170
$146
265/60R18 on/off-road white-letter tires
SLT, Limited
$135
$113
Alloy wheels
SXT
$300
$258
20-inch chrome alloy wheels
SLT
$1,365
$1,174
Limited
$665
$572
SLT requires 25/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
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2007 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. 4932
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 235 @ 4600 335 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 300 @ 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 None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
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
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