Dodge Durango Citadel
Is it really better than a Jeep Cherokee?
Okay, fine. Just keep ignoring one of the nicest driving seven passenger SUVs there is, and keep buying or leasing your five passenger Jeep Grand Cherokees.
I get it—sort of; I do drive a GC after all—but in most every way the Dodge is the nicer daily driver, where it counts: on the road.
The Durango is smoother riding, with its slightly different suspension setup, and handles sharper too. It doesn’t need the Jeep’s optional air suspension to smother the cruddy roads that crisscross the metro area, and is very refined at highway speeds.
The Dodge and Jeep have similar powertrain offerings; namely the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 and—only in the R/T and Citadel now—the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Its 360hp/390lb-ft outputs promise more than they deliver, at least in acceleration, since these two rigs are very heavy compared to crossovers like the Highlander. But thanks to the new-for-2014 8-speed automatic they get decent highway fuel economy and good step-off.
Where the Durango really scores is in human and cargo hauling. Its extra length gifts it with a real-human 3rd row and more room for gear—of course, if you don’t need this, the Jeep is perfectly fine. And, the Dodge can actually tow something more than a pop-up trailer; its torque and strong structure (not to mention the extra stability a 5,000lb-plus curb weight gives) mean 7,400lb loads are fine.
What the Dodge can't offer is the brand appeal of the Jeep, whose modern image has mass appeal to all different demographics.
Despite the efforts to make Dodge the sporty FCA brand, many folks still consider it a value player, so the idea of a $50k Durango is anathema. They’re missing out; here is a ‘midsize’ SUV with true towing capacity a Pilot or such cant match, great dynamics, luxurious appointments and the kind of practicality such vehicles promise but don’t always deliver.
EPA ratings: 14/22mpg; 16mpg combined
0-60mph: 7.3sec (Motortrend.com)
Price as tested: $53,965
Here is what Dodge has to say.
4.5 Stars
Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. He has written extensively about getting the best deal possible when buying or leasing a vehicle, arranging financing or trading in a car. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.
