2009 Dodge Durango Review

The 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 with four-speed automatic transmission comes standard on Durango SE ($27,630) and SLT ($30,765) models. The 303-hp 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic are optional ($1060) for those two-wheel-drive models but come standard on the four-wheel-drive SE and SLT models and on the Limited model. The 365-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and five-speed automatic are optional for SLT 2WD ($1855), SLT 4WD ($990), and Limited 2WD ($795) and Limited 4WD ($990). A two-speed transfer case for low-range gearing comes standard on 5.7-liter 4WD models.

Standard features for SE models include cloth upholstery; air conditioning; front bucket seats; 40/20/40 folding second-row seat; tilt steering wheel; cruise control; power windows, exterior mirrors, and door locks; remote keyless entry; four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; roof rails; fog lights; and P245/70R17 on-/off-road tires on steel wheels. The SE Technology Group ($380) includes Sirius satellite radio and remote engine starting. A Popular Equipment Group ($2320) includes a two-passenger, folding third-row bench seat; rear heating and air conditioning; gray running boards; heavy-duty alternator and battery; and P265/60R18 on/off-road tires on 18-inch alloy wheels. Also offered is a Towing Package ($455) with a Class IV trailer hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring harness, and a heavy-duty alternator and battery.

SLT models upgrade with stain-resistant seat fabric; leather-wrapped steering wheel; eight-way power driver's seat; reclining second-row seats; two-passenger third-row folding bench seat; six-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; 115-volt outlet; security alarm; automatic headlights; electronic vehicle information center; and P265/60R18 on-/off-road tires on alloy wheels. SLT Technology Group ($1985) includes rear obstacle detection, rearview camera, UConnect Phone wireless cell phone link, upgraded audio with MYGIG Multimedia System, power liftgate, remote engine starting, and a three-passenger 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat. A Leather Interior Group ($1880) adds leather first- and second-row seats, heated front seats, laminated front and rear door glass, power adjustable pedals, and running boards. Also offered are a sunroof ($850) and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1765) with Sirius Backseat TV.

Limited models are plush, with leather upholstery; automatic climate control; heated front seats; four-way power passenger seat; power-adjustable pedals; heated power mirrors; memory for the driver's seat, mirrors, radio, climate control and pedals; auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors; three-passenger third-row 60/40 split folding seat; Alpine eight-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; rear park assist; rearview camera; Chrysler's UConnect Phone wireless cell phone link; power liftgate; and P265/50R20 on-/off-road tires on chrome alloy wheels. Options for the Limited in addition to those of the lower models include heated second-row bucket seats ($950) and UConnect GPS hard-drive radio with navigation system ($640).

Limited Hybrid ($44,540) also adds a universal garage door opener and UConnect GPS. The Hybrid uses the 5.7-liter V8 mated to an electrically continuously variable transmission (EVCT) with two electric motors. The Hybrid does not have low-range gearing.

Safety features on all models include dual-stage front airbags and head-protecting side-curtain air bags that cover all three seating rows and have roll-over sensors. Side-impact airbags, however, are not available. ABS and electronic stability control with traction control come standard. A tire-pressure monitor comes standard on all models. Rear obstacle detection and a rearview camera are standard on the Limited and Hybrid and we recommend them for their ability to help the driver spot a child behind the vehicle.