Soon after releasing an updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – which boasts revised styling, improved in-cabin technology and a new eight-speed automatic transmission – Chrysler has given the same upgrades to its mechanical sibling, the larger Dodge Durango. The 2014 Durango was unveiled yesterday at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.
The Durango is a three-row crossover SUV with a higher dose of utility than its car-based competitors, bridging the gap between an all-truck Chevrolet Tahoe and all-car Chevrolet Traverse. As such, the Durango offers polished ride and handling but also an available V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive platform for improved towing performance.
On the exterior, the most notable change to the 2014 Durango is redesigned taillights. A light bar spanning the width of the vehicle and are ringed with LEDs recalls the Dodge Dart and Charger sedans, whereas the 2013's rear end was more similar to the Grand Cherokee's. The front features more minor tweaks, including LED daytime running lamps and a revised grille and bumper.
Inside, the 2014 Durango's instrument panel is entirely new to adopt a large 8.4-inch touch screen for Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system. (Base models include a smaller screen.) The system, too, is upgraded over the 2013 Durango, with better graphics and faster responses. Unlike too many competitors, Chrysler has wisely kept hard buttons and knobs for all climate functions, as well as stereo volume, tuning and on/off. This keeps common functions within easy reach and leaves the screen for more complex adjustments.
Other interior changes include a display-screen gauge cluster, which lends more flexibility to what information is presented when and which is customizable; and a gear-selecting rotary knob that replaces the shift lever.
Mechanically, the Durango's 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and 360-hp "Hemi" 5.7-liter V8 carry over into 2014, but an eight-speed automatic replaces the V6's five-speed and the V8's six-speed. Chrysler isn't disclosing gas mileage yet, but promises the new transmissions will lead to an increase of "up to 9 percent," which would be about 1.5 miles per gallon in mixed driving; V6 2013 Durangos are rated for 19 mpg in mixed driving, while the V8s promise 15 and 16 with all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive, respectively.
Pricing hasn't yet been announced for the 2014 Durango, but the 2013 starts at $29,495. The 2014 Durango goes on sale in late 2013.
See also:
Photos of the 2014 Dodge Durango
Full coverage of the 2013 New York Auto Show
Coverage of the 2012 New York Auto Show
Review: 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel
Review: 2011 Dodge Journey Lux
All Cars Examiner reviews
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