5 Great Reasons to Buy the 2017 Dodge Durango
If you’re in the market for an affordable SUV that’s on the smaller side with truck-like styling, power and lots of features, the 2017 Dodge Durango may be exactly what you want. This family-friendly midsize SUV offers buyers powerful engine options, lots of cargo space, and plenty of high-tech features.
It’s available in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and comes in four trim levels: base SXT, GT, Citadel and R/T – each with your choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Here are the five best features of the 2017 Dodge Durango.
Safety Ratings and Features
When it comes to safety, the 2017 Dodge Durango earned an overall safety score of four out of five stars, with a four star rating to total front-impact safety and five-star rating for side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Durango a top Good score in its moderate-overlap front-impact test as well as a Good score for the side-impact, roof strength, and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. However, in the small-overlap front-impact, the Durango earned a second-worst Marginal score.
Every 2017 Dodge Durango has standard safety features including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, a driver knee airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. The touchscreen system comes bundled with emergency assistance and stolen vehicle tracking. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are optional on the SXT and standard on all other Durangos.
Additional advanced safety features can be added on to certain trim levels by opting for the Technology Group and Safety/Security and Convenience Group. This includes features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and more.
Lots of Power
The 2017 Dodge Durango offers drivers the option of either a 3.6-liter V6 engine (293 horsepower) or a 5.7-liter V8 with 360 horsepower (among the most powerful in the class). Rear-wheel drive is standard on both, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
And when it comes to towing, the Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the base V6 engine and 7,400 pound with optional the V8.
Impressive Interior and Features
The Durango might not be super fancy, but inside it has an attractive and versatile interior with class-competitive quality and lots of innovative features. The base models offer appealing materials that are pleasant to look at and touch, while the higher trim levels feature leather with accent stitching.
When it comes to features, the 2017 Dodge Durango will not be found lacking. Even the base model comes equipped with a variety of features, including heated mirrors, fog lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, three-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, proximity key entry, push button start, and even a six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port and an SD card reader. It also comes standard with the brand’s Uconnect infotainment system, featuring a 5-inch touch screen and voice command recognition.
Higher trim models bring into play features like LED running lights, xenon headlights, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, remote ignition, an auto-dimming driver-side exterior mirror, heated front and second-row seats, leather upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet, driver memory settings, satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming audio, dual USB charge ports, a sunroof, a power liftgate, an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface with voice controls, and more.
Some of the higher trims’ standard features are also offered on lower trims as options. And for those with kids, an optional rear-seat entertainment system is perfect for keeping them amused on long trips!
Best in Class Cargo with Generous Passenger Space
The newest change to the 2017 Durango is that the base model is now available only with two rows (seating for five). The other four trim levels are available with two captain’s chairs in the second row, which ups the seating capacity to seven.
The 2017 Durango offers an abundance of cargo room, even with the second and optional third row seats in use. It features approximately 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47.7 cubic feet with the back row folded down, and 84.5 cubic feet with all seats down if you opt for the three-row model.
The space is configurable in a number of ways, allowing for plenty of flexibility when it comes to passengers and cargo. It also has enormous rear doors that open to almost 90 degrees, making entry and exit a cinch. Plus, a flip-and-fold second-row seat (optional on the SXT and standard on other trim models) helps make passenger movement even easier.
Additionally, the Durango is one of the few in the class that can comfortably seat adults for an extended period of time in its third row of seats.
Smooth Ride
The Dodge Durango is also known for its outstanding performance. While most SUVs of this size range are unwieldy and tend to tilt when taking a corner, the Durango handles turns like a champ with minimal body lean. It also offers a smooth, comfortable, cushioned ride on a variety of rough surfaces.
In Conclusion
Spacious, quiet, and comfortable, the 2017 Dodge Durango blends workhorse utility with plenty of creature comforts. With a sophisticated and substantial feel, it’s one crossover that you just can’t go wrong with. Check out the 2017 Dodge Durango over at Marlow Motor Company!