2011 Dodge Durango Crew V6 AWD of USA

By Raj Savdhariya | Jun 4, 2011

Recently, Dodge has launched its third-generation Dodge Durango, and it marks the nameplate’s return from the retreat it took for the 2010 model year. Built on a extended version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s unibody platform instead of the old body on frame substructures of its descents the Durango retains a rear-drive layout, but a full time all-wheel-drive system as tested here is an option on each of the five trims.

We’ve already tested an entry-level rear-drive V-6 Durango and an all-wheel-drive V-8. This is our first go with the more affordable all-wheel-drive and V-6 combo. The Durango’s chassis delivers impressive dynamics. At 5068 pounds, the SUV tested here is far from light, but it handles twists and turns with a fluid ease, remaining flat and composed as it challenges the laws of physics.

Unlike most others in this segment, the Durango’s steering offers a good degree of feel, and the same can be said for the brake pedal. Not only is the Dodge an agile machine; its ride, even on this example’s optional 20-inch wheels, was comfortable and well damped. We noted some dissatisfaction with the 20s worn by the V-8 powered R/T we previously tested, but without the stiffened and lowered suspension of that model, the 20s were not a problem.

Of the five trims (Express, Crew, Citadel, Heat, and R/T) offered on the 2011 Durango, the Crew is the second rung up the ladder. It’s nicely equipped at $34,270, and AWD is a $2000 premium on top of that. Standard features include upscale items such as keyless entry and ignition, a power liftgate, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display with 30 gigs of storage, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth, power front seats, and a backup camera. After adding $295 for the Inferno Red Crystal Pearl paint and $5000 for the Crew Lux package leather seats (heated in rows one and two), 20-inch wheels, power tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, navigation, rain-sensing wipers our all-wheel-drive Crew V-6 totalled $41,565, which is par for the course for a large, luxurious family hauler. With its comfortable yet sporty dynamics complemented by a strong equipment list, the Durango Crew has few shortcomings. If Dodge can find a modern transmission with at least one more ratio, there’s little else to improve.

Specifications:-

BRAKES
Brake Type	Pwr
Brake ABS System	4-Wheel
Brake ABS System (Second Line)	N/A
Disc – Front (Yes or )	Yes
Disc – Rear (Yes or )	Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness	13.0 x 1.3 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness	13.0 x 0.6 in

CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1	N/A in
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2	N/A in
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3	N/A in
Cargo Area Width @ Beltline	N/A in
Cargo Box Width @ Wheel housings	N/A in
Cargo Box (Area) Height	N/A in
Cargo Volume to Seat 1	84.5 ftÂ³
Cargo Volume to Seat 2	47.7 ftÂ³
Cargo Volume to Seat 3	17.2 ftÂ³
Trunk Volume	N/A ftÂ³

COOLING SYSTEM
Total Cooling System Capacity	14.0 qts

ELECTRICAL
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0Â° F (Primary)	750
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)	180

ENGINE
Engine Order Code	ERB
Engine Type	Gas V6
Displacement	3.6L/220
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM	290 @ 6400
SAE Net Torque @ RPM	260 @ 4800

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	119.8 in
Length, Overall	199.8 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors	75.8 in
Height, Overall	70.9 in
Track Width, Front	63.9 in
Track Width, Rear	64.1 in
Min Ground Clearance	8.1 in
Rear Door Opening Height	32.2 in
Rear Door Opening Width	N/A in
Liftover Height	32.2 in

FUEL TANK
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx	24.6 gal
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx	N/A gal

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Passenger Capacity	7
Passenger Volume	N/A ftÂ³
Front Head Room	39.9 in
Front Leg Room	40.3 in
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in
Front Hip Room	57.0 in
Second Head Room	39.8 in
Second Leg Room	38.6 in
Second Shoulder Room	58.3 in
Second Hip Room	56.0 in
Third Head Room	37.8 in
Third Leg Room	31.5 in
Third Shoulder Room	50.4 in
Third Hip Room	42.8 in

MILEAGE
EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy	22 MPG
Cruising Range – City	393.60 mi
EPA Fuel Economy Est – City	16 MPG
Fuel Economy Est-Combined	18 MPG
Cruising Range – Hwy	541.20 mi
EPA MPG Equivalent – City	N/A
EPA MPG Equivalent – Hwy	N/A
EPA MPG Equivalent – Combined	N/A
Battery Range	N/A mi

STEERING
Steering Type	Pwr Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall	19.0
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering)	3.7
Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb	37.1 ft
Turning Diameter – Wall to Wall	N/A ft

SUSPENSION
Suspension Type – Front	SLA
Suspension Type – Rear	Multi-link
Shock Absorber Diameter – Front	N/A mm
Shock Absorber Diameter – Rear	N/A mm
Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Front	N/A in
Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Rear	N/A in

TIRES
Front Tire Order Code	TP5
Rear Tire Order Code	TP5
Spare Tire Order Code	N/A
Front Tire Size	P265/60R18
Rear Tire Size	P265/60R18
Spare Tire Size	Compact

TRAILERING
Dead Weight Hitch – Max Trailer Wt.	5000 lbs
Dead Weight Hitch – Max Tongue Wt.	500 lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Trailer Wt.	6200 lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Tongue Wt.	930 lbs

TRANSMISSION
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code	DGJ
Trans Type	5
Trans Description Cont.	Automatic
First Gear Ratio (:1)	3.59
Second Gear Ratio (:1)	2.19
Third Gear Ratio (:1)	1.41
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)	1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)	0.83
Reverse Ratio (:1)	3.16
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)	3.06

VEHICLE
EPA Classification	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score	3

WEIGHT INFORMATION
Base Curb Weight	4987 lbs

WHEELS
Front Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in
Rear Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in
Spare Wheel Size	Compact in
Front Wheel Material	Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material	Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material	Steel