2004-09 Dodge Durango | Consumer Guide Auto

Midsize SUV; Built in USA

4-door wagon

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $5,200 – $23,700*

2005 Dodge Durango

Pros:	Cargo room Passenger room Ride Trailer-towing capability
Cons:	Acceleration Fuel economy

Even larger than the 1998-2003 model, Durango matches some full-size SUVs for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it also matches their poor gas mileage. Overall, a Durango accelerates like a good midsize SUV, and it compares favorably to domestic rivals. We recommend that the underpowered V6 be avoided in favor of a V8–preferably the 5.7-liter Hemi. Thus equipped, Durango earns a Recommended rating.

Overview

Dodge redesigned its midsize sport-utility vehicle for 2004, giving it larger dimensions and more available power. The new Durango was 3 inches longer in wheelbase, 7 inches longer overall, close to 5 inches wider–and almost 400 pounds heavier than its predecessor. Principal competitors included the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota 4Runner.

Durangos were offered with rear-wheel drive and two all-wheel-drive systems, one with low-range gearing. Three engines were available: a new 3.7-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8, and a newly optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 85 more horsepower than the largest previous engine. V6 models came with a four-speed automatic transmission; V8s had a five-speed automatic with tow/haul mode.

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS were standard. Traction control was newly optional, but an antiskid system was unavailable. Also optional were curtain side airbags that covered all three rows of seats. Front torso side airbags were not offered.

Durangos came in ST, SLT, and Limited trim. ST models had two rows of seats for five-passenger capacity; the SLT and Limited had a third row to seat up to seven. Third-row seats folded flat to the floor. The Durango’s rear liftgate lacked separate-opening glass.

Limiteds had leather upholstery, which was optional on the SLT. Other available features included adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, DVD entertainment, satellite radio, and Chrysler’s UConnect, which used the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to any cell phone in the vehicle. A sunroof was available for the first time. Durangos could tow as much as 8950 pounds.

Yearly Updates

2005 Durango
A new Adventurer option package for outdoors enthusiasts included a rubber cargo-area liner with built-in organizer, plus a special roof rack and unique trim. Limited models could now be fitted with a navigation system. Heated front seats were newly available for the SLT as well as the Limited.

2006 Durango
An antiskid system became standard on the Limited edition and optional for other Durangos. Limiteds now offered eight-passenger seating, courtesy of a new three-place third-row seat. A power rear liftgate was made standard on the Limited and optional for the SLT. Traction control was no longer offered on Durangos.

2007 Durango
Dodge’s largest SUV got revised front and rear styling and some new features for 2007. Traction control was not offered, but an antiskid system was standard instead of optional for ’07, as were curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows. Newly available for ’07 were 2nd-row bucket seats, remote engine start, 20-inch wheels, and dual-zone climate control.

2008 Durango
The 2008 Dodge Durango got a more powerful, 303-hp 4.7-liter V8 engine this year. This engine replaced a 235-hp 4.7 V8.

2009 Durango
Durango added a gas/electric Hybrid model for 2009, and the available Hemi V8 was boosted to 356 hp, a gain of 21. Newly available was Chrysler’s uconnect multimedia suite, which could include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information. However, Durango was discontinued early in the model year.

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.7/225
Engine HP	210
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	235

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic	16/21

ohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.7/225

Engine HP

210

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

235

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

4-speed automatic

16/21

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	4.7/287
Engine HP	230-303
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	290

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	14/18	13.6

ohc V8

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

4.7/287

Engine HP

230-303

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

290

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

14/18

13.6

ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	5.7/345
Engine HP	335
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	370

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	13/18	14.6

ohv V8

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

5.7/345

Engine HP

335

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

370

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

13/18

14.6

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Dodge Durango AWD SLT 4.7-liter

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 3

30%

Fuel Economy - 2

20%

Ride Quality - 6

60%

Steering/Handling - 3

30%

Quietness - 5

50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Front - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Rear - 7

70%

Cargo Room - 9

90%

Other

Value - 7

70%

Total: 56

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2004 Durango 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5

100%

Front Passenger Injury - 5

100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	N/A
Injury	N/A
Theft	N/A

2004 Dodge Durango	Pricing Effective: 04/27/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD ST 4-door wagon	$ 26,215	$ 24,011	$ 645
AWD ST 4-door wagon	28,805	26,351	645
2WD SLT 4-door wagon	28,630	26,161	645
AWD SLT 4-door wagon	31,220	28,501	645
2WD Limited 4-door wagon	32,535	29,636	645
AWD Limited 4-door wagon	34,530	31,447	645
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
ST : 3.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 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, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats, rear privacy glass, 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: rear air conditioning and heater, 8-way power driver seat, 3rd-row folding bench seat, roof rails, fog lights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission
Limited adds: 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, automatic headlights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 265/65R17 on/off-road tires

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
24/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.	SLT	$1515	$1303
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, 8-speaker sound system, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, map lights, cargo net, alarm, alloy wheels.
Interior Convenience Group	SLT	485	417
Overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, map lights, cargo net.
Light-Duty Trailer Tow Group AHT	2WD ST/SLT	345	297
Heated power mirrors, 7-wire harness, hitch receiver. NA w/V8 engine.
Trailer Tow Group AHC	ST, SLT	525	452
Trailer Tow Group AHC	Limited	455	391
Heated power mirrors, heavy-duty service group, heavy-duty cooling and battery, 7-wire harness, Class IV hitch receiver. 2WD ST requires 4.7-liter V8 engine.
Powertrain
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
4.7-liter V8 engine	2WD ST/SLT	690	593
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
5.7-liter V8 engine	2WD SLT	1685	1449
5.7-liter V8 engine	AWD SLT, Limited	995	856
2WD SLT requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
5-speed automatic transmission	2WD ST/SLT	75	65
Requires V8 engine. AWD requires 2-speed transfer case.
Traction control	2WD	200	172
Traction control	AWD	300	258
2-speed transfer case	AWD SLT/Limited	195	168
Special axle ratio	SLT, Limited	40	34
Safety
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Curtain side airbags		495	426
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system	SLT, Limited	1200	1032
SLT requires 24/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
Power sunroof	SLT, Limited	850	731
SLT requires Interior Convenience Group.
Power-adjustable pedals	SLT	120	103
Leather upholstery	SLT	725	624
Heated front seats	Limited	250	215
3rd-row split folding seat	SLT, Limited	150	129
SLT requires leather upholstery.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer	ST, SLT	300	258
8-speaker sound system	SLT	595	512
Subwoofer	SLT	225	194
Requires 24/26/28G Quick Order Pkg.
Satellite radio	SLT, Limited	325	280
SLT requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player or 8-speaker sound system.
UConnect	SLT	360	310
UConnect	Limited	275	237
Hands-free cellular telephone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Engine-block heater		35	30
Special paint		150	129
Running boards	SLT	395	340
Running boards	Limited	445	383
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Skid plates	AWD	170	146
Alloy wheels	SLT	280	241
Chrome alloy wheels	Limited	700	602
265/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires	SLT, Limited	305	262
SLT requires alloy wheels.

2005 Dodge Durango	Pricing Effective: 06/07/2005
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD SXT 4-door wagon	$ 27,470	$ 25,128	$ 645
AWD SXT 4-door wagon	30,450	27,816	645
2WD SLT 4-door wagon	29,950	27,336	645
AWD SLT 4-door wagon	32,930	30,023	645
2WD Limited 4-door wagon	33,820	30,780	645
AWD Limited 4-door wagon	36,110	32,853	645
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SXT : 3.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 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, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 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: rear air conditioning and heater, 8-way power driver seat, 3rd-row folding bench seat, fog lights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission
Limited adds: 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, automatic headlights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 265/65R17 on/off-road tires

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 56

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

2006 Dodge Durango	Pricing Effective: 05/26/2006
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
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
Price Note:

2007 Dodge Durango	Pricing Effective: 11/20/2006
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
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
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SXT : 3.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 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, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 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: tire-pressure monitor, rear air conditioning and heater, 8-way power driver seat, 2-passenger 3rd-row folding bench seat, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 265/60R18 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission
Limited adds: 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, rear-obstacle-detection system, 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, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive

2008 Dodge Durango	Pricing Effective: 02/15/2008
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD SXT 4-door wagon	$ 26,455	$ 24,315	$ 800
AWD SXT 4-door wagon	29,735	27,289	800
2WD SLT 4-door wagon	29,785	27,279	800
AWD SLT 4-door wagon	33,065	30,253	800
2WD Adventurer 4-door wagon	31,710	28,992	800
AWD Adventurer 4-door wagon	33,930	31,023	800
2WD Limited 4-door wagon	34,995	31,916	800
AWD Limited 4-door wagon	37,215	33,946	800
Price Note:

2009 Dodge Durango	Pricing Effective: 03/04/2009
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD SE 4-door wagon	$ 28,130	$ 25,806	$ 850
AWD SE 4-door wagon	31,140	28,780	850
2WD SLT 4-door wagon	31,265	28,596	850
AWD SLT 4-door wagon	35,545	31,570	850
2WD Limited 4-door wagon	37,565	34,203	850
AWD Limited 4-door wagon	39,785	36,234	850
AWD Limited Hybrid	45,040	40,911	850
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 3.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover, rear defogger, variable-intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, full-size spare, 245/70R17 on/off-road tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission
SLT adds: rear air conditioning and heater, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, 2-passenger 3rd-row folding bench seat, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, 265/60R18 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission
Limited adds: flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, rear-obstacle-detection system, 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, Alpine AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, hard drive, rearview camera, voice recognition, wireless cell phone link, driver-side and rearview automatic day/night mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, power liftgate, 265/50R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels, (Deletes in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer), AWD adds: all-wheel drive
Limited Hybrid adds: 5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), all-wheel drive, navigation system, 265/60R18 tires