2014-2017 Dodge Durango: Eight-Speed SUV
Sales of Durango rose 44% in 2013.
The 2014 Dodge Durango got a late start, but it was worth it: every Durango had an eight-speed automatic transmission that boosted acceleration and gas mileage, the electronics were upgraded with new gee-whiz features, and creature comforts were refined. With the newly efficient powertrain, Durango gave minivans a run for their money, especially for people who want to tow classic Challengers or Chrysler boats.
The 2017 Dodge Durango GT replaced the Limited as the "volume model," giving a monochromatic appearance. Late in 2017 an "Anodized Aluminum" package on Durango Citadel will include black/sepia Nappa leather, hand-wrapped instrument panel, Anodized Gunmetal and Platinum Chrome trim, and Platinum Chrome exterior accents. Late options on the R/T include the hand-wrapped instrument panel and black roof rails.
The more serious news is a rear mounted camera in 8.4-inch models, for viewing trailered items. The Brass Monkey package returns and spreads to GT and R/T. The Blacktop returns for GT and R/T, with new 20-inch glossy black wheels, crosshairs, and badging, a dual exhaust, and black headlamp bezels. Finally, the SXT will come with five-passenger seating and optional seven-passenger seating (late availability).
2015 changes included new Rallye packages for SXT and Limited, and extension of Blacktop to SXT, Limited, and R/T. A new "black forest green pearl" paint was added to SXT, Limited, and Citadel.
2016 Dodge Durangos got stop-start systems on V6 models, the upgraded Pentastar V6, an optional Sport mode on all models, a late-availability Brass Monkey package on Limited, an enhanced Premium Group, monochromatic Citadel appearance with late-availability Platinum package, new wheels, and four paints: Red, Luxury Brown, Light Brownstone, and Ivory Tri-Coat. UConnect added "tune start," to start songs from the beginning when switching between pre-set satellite channels. Gas mileage rose from 18/25 to 19/27 with rear wheel drive and the V6, thanks to the changes.
All Durangos now have eight speeds
For 2014, the Dodge Durango became an eight-speed-only vehicle, using the state-of-the-art ZF HP8 transmission. Instead of the "obviously electronic" shifter of the Grand Cherokee, Charger, and 300, Durango used the Ram's shifter-knob, making it easier to change gears by touch. The knob has definite positions for park, reverse, neutral, and drive; shifting up and down is handled by standard paddle controls on the steering wheel.
The transmission's wide gear spread provides stronger gas mileage by allowing high top gear ratios, while increasing performance with a lower first gear; the large number of gears in between makes shifting smoother, and keeps the engine is in its optimal range. With the V6 engine, Dodge Durango now has a best-in-class driving range of more than 600 miles - around the distance from New York City to Detroit.
Sales of Durango rose 44% in 2013.
The 2014 Dodge Durango got a late start, but it was worth it: every Durango had an eight-speed automatic transmission that boosted acceleration and gas mileage, the electronics were upgraded with new gee-whiz features, and creature comforts were refined. With the newly efficient powertrain, Durango gave minivans a run for their money, especially for people who want to tow classic Challengers or Chrysler boats.
The 2017 Dodge Durango GT replaced the Limited as the "volume model," giving a monochromatic appearance. Late in 2017 an "Anodized Aluminum" package on Durango Citadel will include black/sepia Nappa leather, hand-wrapped instrument panel, Anodized Gunmetal and Platinum Chrome trim, and Platinum Chrome exterior accents. Late options on the R/T include the hand-wrapped instrument panel and black roof rails.
The more serious news is a rear mounted camera in 8.4-inch models, for viewing trailered items. The Brass Monkey package returns and spreads to GT and R/T. The Blacktop returns for GT and R/T, with new 20-inch glossy black wheels, crosshairs, and badging, a dual exhaust, and black headlamp bezels. Finally, the SXT will come with five-passenger seating and optional seven-passenger seating (late availability).
2015 changes included new Rallye packages for SXT and Limited, and extension of Blacktop to SXT, Limited, and R/T. A new "black forest green pearl" paint was added to SXT, Limited, and Citadel.
2016 Dodge Durangos got stop-start systems on V6 models, the upgraded Pentastar V6, an optional Sport mode on all models, a late-availability Brass Monkey package on Limited, an enhanced Premium Group, monochromatic Citadel appearance with late-availability Platinum package, new wheels, and four paints: Red, Luxury Brown, Light Brownstone, and Ivory Tri-Coat. UConnect added "tune start," to start songs from the beginning when switching between pre-set satellite channels. Gas mileage rose from 18/25 to 19/27 with rear wheel drive and the V6, thanks to the changes.
All Durangos now have eight speeds
For 2014, the Dodge Durango became an eight-speed-only vehicle, using the state-of-the-art ZF HP8 transmission. Instead of the "obviously electronic" shifter of the Grand Cherokee, Charger, and 300, Durango used the Ram's shifter-knob, making it easier to change gears by touch. The knob has definite positions for park, reverse, neutral, and drive; shifting up and down is handled by standard paddle controls on the steering wheel.
The transmission's wide gear spread provides stronger gas mileage by allowing high top gear ratios, while increasing performance with a lower first gear; the large number of gears in between makes shifting smoother, and keeps the engine is in its optimal range. With the V6 engine, Dodge Durango now has a best-in-class driving range of more than 600 miles - around the distance from New York City to Detroit.
Engine | Pentastar V6 | Hemi V8 |
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