2005 Dodge Durango Review

Specifications

An Engine and Ride to Savor

Looking for a full-size SUV with a third-row seat, plenty of pulling power and a comfortable ride? Look no further than the 2005 Dodge Durango Limited. With seating for seven and a choice between two powerplants, the Durango Limited has a lot to offer, including true four-wheel drive capability and a low-range set of gears.

Although the 2005 Durango is little changed from 2004, it continues to impress me with a remarkably smooth ride, as did the optional Hemi V8 power in my Flame Red tester. These attributes are definitely worth savoring.

The availability of an Adventurer option package with the SLT trim level and a GPS-based navigation system with the Limited version highlight the changes for 05. My Limited tester was not equipped with a navigation system, yet it packed an ample array of comfort and convenience accoutrements within its four doors and single-unit tailgate.

The current generation of Durango hit the streets and trails of North America in the 2004 model year. Since its introduction, some critics have lamented its low-profile sloping nose. I find the nose design subtle rather than imposing like the huge “in your face” grille announcing the presence of a Dodge Ram truck, and I appreciate its more discreet profile.

To my eye, the Durangos outer shell is well-proportioned and quite appealing, despite its dainty nose job. At 200.8 inches in length, the Durango slots between the slightly smaller Ford Explorer and the marginally larger Toyota Sequoia. Large expanses of glass add to the Durangos welcoming mid-size appearance and provide excellent outward visibility. They also treat occupants to a sense of openness in the bright, airy cabin.

For 2005, the folks at Dodge havent altered the clean lines that defined the appealing interior of the 2004 version. The large, white-faced instrumentation remains highly visible and easy to read, day or night. The uncluttered, symmetrical two-tone dash in my tester incorporated a center stack accented with brushed aluminum. Here, Dodge located the audio head just above the controls for the HVAC system. And although the layout is both attractive and functional, I would prefer to find a set of good-sized dials in place of the buttons that control the climate settings.

DaimlerChrysler did a great job of using four matching dials in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The functionality of that system completely outguns the Durango setup, which requires too much driver attention when the windscreen begins to fog or the tootsies get chilled.

While bemoaning the use of buttons over dials, let me add salt to the wound by mentioning the large expanses of hard plastic that comprise most of the dashboard. Although extremely durable, a softer tactile reception would greatly enhance the perceived quality of the well-constructed interior.

Apart from this minor irritation, I was spoiled by a wonderfully comfortable driving position and supportive, fatigue-free heated leather seats. The spacious Durango cab provides plenty of headroom and legroom up front. Moving back one row doesnt diminish passenger comfort. I found plenty of room for my appendages in the two outboard second row seating positions.

Surprisingly, the comfort level doesnt deteriorate much when the luck-of-the-draw forces one into row number three. Unlike numerous third row seats that imprison occupants, the Durangos third row is kind to both children and adults. Accessing it is a breeze thanks to drop and tumble second-row seats that allow clear third-row ingress and egress. Roof-mounted air conditioning outlets above the second and third rows ensure passengers remain cool while watching their favorite DVDs on the optional fold-down screen.

Even if viewing the latest action flicks on the small screen, occupants in the Durango will also enjoy a very smooth, relaxed ride thanks to coil springs at all four corners, bolstered by gas-charged shocks and front and rear stabilizer bars. Large four-wheel antilock disc brakes make quick work of emergency stops while offering plenty of predictability and control. A fair bit of nosedive accompanies a firm stomp on the pedal, due mainly to the compliant suspension calibration of the Durango Limited and its substantial curb weight of 5,133 pounds.

The superb ride quality of the Durango also impinges upon its handling ability. Although the hefty vehicle never feels sloppy or erratic in tight corners or evasive maneuvers, it communicates its weight through moderate body lean and noticeable sway. The Durango isnt a sled that instantly snaps to attention when its steering wheel is rapidly cranked. Despite the absence of feline-quick steering reflexes, I cherished the comfort-oriented setup Dodge has engineered into the suspension and take no issue with the Durangos mediocre handling.

But theres more than just handling dynamics that owners concern themselves with when laying down a pile of greenbacks for an SUV. Off-road ability and towing grunt top the list of what many buyers seek in this segment; here, the Durango really delivers. A dash-mounted rotary dial allows the driver to effortlessly switch from full-time all-wheel drive to part-time four-wheel drive or low-range four-wheel drive.

Adding to the Durangos climbing prowess is an optional low-speed traction control system. Once amid the dirt and rocks, an optional Skid Plate grouping provides additional protection to the Durangos under-carriage. Also optional is a Trailer Tow group that includes a heavy-duty cooling system and a heavy-duty battery, heated power mirrors and a heavy-duty Class IV hitch and receiver, along with seven- and four-pin wiring harnesses. A maximum towing rating of 8,650 pounds gives the four-wheel drive Durango Limited some serious, Hemi-steroid towing strength.

Although the base engine in the four-wheel drive Durango Limited is DaimlerChryslers 4.7-liter (287 cu in), 230-horsepower V8, my tester flexed its muscles with the optional 5.7-liter (345 cu in) V8 Hemi. Lately this gentle giant has been finding its way into quite a few DaimlerChrysler products.

In this application, the potent powerplant ejects 335 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. These numbers hustle the Durango quite effortlessly to 60 mph in an estimated 8.2 seconds. With the Hemi growling beneath the hood, highway passing is spirited and hill climbing is effortless. When lazing about town, the menacing growl is nothing more than a muted burble.

Power from either of the Durangos V8s is fed through a five-speed automatic transmission, equipped with a locking torque converter. This unit performed flawlessly during my demanding test period. Gear changes were barely perceptible, and there was no “slap” or “clunk” anywhere in the drivetrain, which is an admirable four-wheel drive achievement.

Complementing the Durangos refined ride is a sense of solidity attributable to very low levels of road and wind noise, both of which only become apparent at highway speeds and above. In fact, the rigidity of the Durangos body structure is outstanding. Potholes are quietly absorbed without undue thumpiness, shudder or rattle, which speaks volumes about the integrity of its ladder-frame chassis.

The Durangos ability to protect occupants has been taken seriously by Dodge. Standard in the Durango are multi-stage driver and front passenger airbags. An Occupant Classification System ensures appropriate and safe airbag deployment. Additional protection for outboard occupants in all three rows is provided by optional, supplemental side-curtain airbags.

Along with these highly-valued extra bags, my heavily-contented Limited tester was laden with leather upholstery, cruise control, climate control, power adjustable pedals, intermittent wipers, auto headlights, Homelink and power windows, locks mirrors, moonroof and seats, plus memory for the drivers seat, exterior mirrors and HVAC settings. Roof rails, cargo tie-down loops, extra 12-volt power outlets and a rear storage cover to hide valuables from prying eyes, further boost the Durangos magnificent versatility.

Those in the market for a family-sized SUV capable of hauling a lot more than just what fits inside need to take a serious look at Dodges Hemi-powered Durango Limited. It coddles occupants in limo-like comfort, while performing Herculean feats of automotive conquest. I would gladly place a Durango Limited in my garage, provided fuel prices remain stable. The Hemi is a thirsty workhorse, but strong as an ox and smooth as whipping cream.