2015 Dodge Durango R/T Blacktop VIDEO REVIEW

Dodge refers to it as the Charger of the SUV world, and as is the case with nearly all of their vehicles the Durango really knows how to personify the bad boy image. With a lowered ride height, gloss black everything and a HEMI under the hood the R/T Blacktop Edition isn’t just another 3-row people mover.

My last test-drive of the Durango was exactly 4 years ago…just after the all-new model went on sale. And last year, the Durango received its first major overhaul since its 2011 introduction so this retest week was long overdue. Those upgrades included a new 8-speed transmission with rotary shifter and Eco mode, the latest Uconnect system with Wi-Fi, a full-blown Blu-ray rear entertainment system with dual 9” screens in the seat-backs, a number of styling changes to the front fascia, the addition of the LED racetrack tail lamp design, and a host of other interior and feature updates. And now for 2015, Dodge’s signature Blacktop Package can be ordered on all trims with the exception of the more dignified, range-topping Citadel. But it looks best on the high-performance Durango R/T – featuring the 360-horsepower HEMI V8, a sport-tuned fully-independent suspension lowered by about 1”, 20” wheels, HID low-beam headlamps, and R/T-embroidered leather seats with red stitching. The Blacktop Package itself adds only $295 to the price and includes Gloss Black in spades – to the grille, wheels, mirrors and badges. On this Granite Crystal tester, the look is somewhere between law enforcement and post-apocalyptic. If you’re looking for a ride with big-time ‘tude, this is it.

When driving the Durango it definitely has that “it” factor. It’s not some cumbersome SUV, instead it’s got performance baked into its chassis and all of those critical driving elements are in harmony backed by the muscle car sounds of the HEMI V8…an experience that makes the Durango unique in the class. And it’s a rig that feels like it’s worth every bit of its $50,000 price tag with a sporty modern, high quality feel and some of the best electronics available.

For a 5,300 lb. SUV, it’s amazing how well this big Durango handles and how truly fun it is to drive. The HEMI’s growl heard from accelerating quickly never gets tiring. It’s built upon a unibody structure and feels tight and never sloppy with reactive steering and paddle shifters for the auto. The firmer suspension tuning gives the R/T a noticeably stiffer ride with quickly muted body motions lending to frequent head bobbing over small road imperfections but it’s far from offensive. These Goodyear Fortera HL Edition tires are for all-season, quiet ride purposes but still do a better than decent job of stable handling. If you own a boat, this Durango has the optional Trailer Tow Group which can handle 7,200 pounds and comes with rear load leveling shocks. The V8’s 390 pound-feet of torque is greater than that of the strongest Ford Explorer and it doesn’t require premium unleaded. Mileage is rated at 14mpg city/22mpg highway and uses the engine’s ability to run on 4-cylinders to achieve those less than frugal numbers.

The Durango is bigger than you’d think with the ability to seat 6 as seen here with the optional 2^nd row fold and tumble captain’s chairs. Because they don’t slide, keeping your knees off of the front seat can be a little more challenging than expected but they do recline and that’s where you can find the most comfort. And this optional console is quite cool as long as you don’t mind giving up a middle walkway to the 3^rd row – it opens in both directions, provides cupholders and storage for the remote and headphones. And the third row is easily accessible from either side, is adult-friendly and is elevated for better forward visibility…well executed. And in the rear, you’ve got the Chrysler pop-out flashlight, a large, deep underfloor storage area and there’s a power function on the navi screen to drop the rear headrests when not in use.

Up front, the Nappa Leather Group adds softness to the commanding, comfy seats, the Uconnect system is no less than brilliant in both its layout and functionality with all kinds of useful features and the optional Technology Group invites radar-based items like Adaptive Cruise Control with full stop, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection. Remote start, a heated steering wheel and heated first and 2^nd row seats were definitely appreciated this week. It’s a fully stocked ride that takes good care of everyone’s needs. Base price of the R/T AWD is $43,290 while this one stickers for $51,260. A Beats by Dr. Dre audio system is also standard this year but wasn’t available on my early-build tester. With their in-your-face mien, Dodge vehicles aren’t for everyone’s taste but behind the Durango’s swagger is a luxury-outfitted, sophisticated machine that is as good as they come.

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