Quick Spin: 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

More luxury station wagon on steroids than SUV

What is it? After a two-year hiatus, the Dodge Durango returns for 2012 as a proper, 21st-century, mid-sized crossover, the do-it-all vehicle for many new car buyers. The new version loses its predecessor's archaic body-on-frame (truck-based) chassis for a lighter and more space-efficient unibody (car-based) platform, derived from the same nuts and bolts that also make up the upscale Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. What's new? The three-row, seven- or eight-passenger 2012 Durango truly is "all-new," and its personality couldn't be any more different from the last version. Not only is the 2012 iteration's cabin roomier, with tighter fit-and-finish throughout and better use of higher-quality materials, but also there are plenty of up-to-date optional creature comforts, luxury, and safety features older Durango owners could only dream of. Compared with similarly equipped rivals like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, the Dodge is priced at the high-end of the segment, starting at $38,195. All-wheel-drive is standard, as is a 3.6-litre V6. It makes 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. One item the aforementioned rivals can't offer is Chrysler's famous 5.7-litre V8 — a.k.a. a Hemi. It produces 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. Towing capacity jumps from 2,812 kg with the V6 to 3,266 if you opt for the V8. Compared with similarly equipped rivals like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, the Dodge is priced at the high-end of the segment, starting at $38,195. All-wheel-drive is standard, as is a 3.6-litre V6. It makes 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. One item the aforementioned rivals can't offer is Chrysler's famous 5.7-litre V8 — a.k.a. a Hemi. It produces 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. Towing capacity jumps from 2,812 kg with the V6 to 3,266 if you opt for the V8. My eight-passenger tester was the top-of-the-line $50,496 Durango Citadel. Optional $600 middle-row captain's chairs can turn the Dodge into a seven-seater. Extras included the Hemi ($2,150), and rear DVD system ($1,300). Still, with leather throughout, power/cooled/heated front seats, a massive sunroof, a full phalanx of infotainment features (including nav), and state-of the-art safety kit (like forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control), the Citadel rivals luxury-brand crossovers at two-thirds the price. With the V8, you get one more gear than the V6's five-speed automatic transmission. That, plus the V8's multi-displacement system (which shuts downs cylinders under lighter loads), results in respectable 13.6 L/100 km city and 10.1 highway fuel economy ratings. Regardless of engine, Dodge has done a good job creating access to the Durango's extra rear seats, with large rear doors and second-row seating that flops forward with hydraulic assistance. What's it like to drive? From the driver's seat, it's obvious the Durango has been designed for drivers. And the Citadel package ramps up the luxury factor. All the controls are in the right places, and relatively simple to use. In the city or beyond, the Durango feels luxurious, solid, quiet, composed. Its long wheelbase smothers road imperfections. Its suspension lacks the float associated with rivals; it never feels choppy, and prevents the tall Dodge from keeling over in the corners. The highlight for me was the Durango's steering. It starts with a thick, buttery-smooth leather-covered steering wheel, which delivers real, live feedback from the road. At turn-in, the Dodge reacts immediately, with its near 50:50 weight distribution allowing it to go through corners with a shockingly balanced attitude. I spent two days driving more than 1,200 km to pick up a new puppy for our family, and the Durango was like a freight train on the road with arrow-straight directional stability at higher speeds. Should you buy one? While the Explorer and Pilot offer a bit more room with all three rows of seats up, it's not that much more; however, if you like to drive and need the practicality of such a vehicle, the Durango is a test-drive must. The Mazda's CX-9 used to be my gold standard for drivers in this segment. No more. The Dodge's refined road manners and near-sports wagon handling and steering give away its German roots. In fact, the even sportier $47,645 Durango R/T may be even better to drive than my luxury-oriented Citadel. 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD WHAT I LIKED: Drives like a luxury sports wagon; refined and comfortable interior; stellar towing capacity. WHAT I DIDN'T: Rivals offer more room; top-line Citadel relatively costly; will loyal Dodge buyers appreciate the Durango's sophisticated moves? Base price: $50,496 Type of vehicle: AWD, three-row full-size crossover Engine: 5.7L, 16-valve, OHV V8 Power/Torque: 360 hp / 390 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption (city/hwy/as-tested): 13.6 / 10.1 / 11.8 L/100 km Competition: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander

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