The 2012 Dodge Durango
1998-2003 Dodge Durango | 2004-2009 Durango | Durango review | Durango factory
The next-generation Dodge Durango is, according to company announcements, to be returned to life in model-year 2012, on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, and built in a renovated North Jefferson plant. The rendering on the right is based purely on speculation.
Reliable source oh20 described the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a “complete redesign, not a refresh.” Ryan, another established source wrote, “Both vehicles (Durango and Grand Cherokee) are already designed, and production starts in the spring (of 2009) I believe [this may indicate the Grand Cherokee will be a 2010 model]. Both vehicles will be quite different than what they are now. The Aspen will be kicked because for some reason, people still like Escalades better.”
This image, produced in June 2009, was described as being “close” by one source.
Redriderbob wrote, “About a year and half ago, I broke the word to you guys and gals at Allpar.com that the next generation of the Grand Cherokee would grow in size to cover both the Commander and Grand Cherokee lineups. I also stated that the next Grand Cherokee, Aspen, and Durango would all share a common platform. That is still true. Dodge will replace the Durango in 2012, one model year after the introduction of the new Grand Cherokee. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012 Dodge Durango will share powertrains as well as chassis parts. The Chrysler Aspen's future is still undecided.”
Recent spy shots might have shown the 2012 Dodge Durango running around in disguise as a 2011 Grand Cherokee; that would explain the roofline, which moves up as it goes to the end of the vehicle (as opposed to sloping down in the Grand Cherokee).
Some more interesting features and options are slated to include:
- From minivans: Power liftgate, video, and ParkSense and ParkView™ rear assist and side blind spot detection
- Satellite radio/phone system
- Adaptive cruise control (which maintains a distance from the next car, as well as a speed)
The usual range of other options should be present (e.g. dual zone air conditioning, trailer towing, audio options).
As for looks, we have no idea; aerodynamic considerations will have a much higher influence than before — which does not necessarily mean you should expect swoopy lines, since the new Ram doesn’t look especially aerodynamic but is, and the “aero-styled” Shadow wasn’t.
The Grand Cherokee is expected to carry Trailhawk cues, but the Durango could easily look like a "wagon" version of the 2009 Ram. The illustration at the top of the page by S. Weigel and Solo might be pretty accurate...
1998-2003 Dodge Durango | 2004-2009 Durango | Durango review | Durango factory