The 2017 Dodge Durango R/T. |
Let me introduce you to the 2017 Dodge Durango R/T.
2017 Dodge Durango R/T. |
Combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2017 Dodge Durango R/T is still able to get from zero to 60 in the six-second range, and fuel economy improves somewhat over its Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT cousin to 14 city/22 highway. Best of all, the base price is a significantly more reasonable $42,095. Base for the Jeep is $66,795. You also get a smoother ride, partly because the SRT suspension bits are not involved and partly because of the longer wheelbase.
2017 Dodge Durango R/T interior. |
The $42,095 base price includes a lot of standard equipment, including a rotary shifter and paddle shifters, selectable steering modes, electric power steering, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a backup camera, rear parking assist with stop, anti-lock four-wheel heavy duty disc brakes, remote start, keyless go, a sport suspension, trailer sway damping, a 3.09 rear axle ratio, a security alarm, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, power four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver and front passenger, memory for the radio, driver's seat and mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Travel Link and Traffic, 20-inch low-gloss granite crystal wheels, LED daytime running lamps, low beam HID headlamps, projector fog lamps, automatic headlamp leveling system, a power liftgate and dual rear exhaust with bright tips.
Again, that is all standard, and for $42,095, buying one stock would constitute the SUV bargain of the year, to say nothing of the performance SUV bargain of the year.
Our tester, however, had options:
- Technology Group (Adaptive cruise control with stop, advanced brake assist, blind spot and cross path detection, full speed forward collision warning, lane departure warning) $2,295.
- Rear DVD Entertainment Center (Blue-Ray compatible dual-screen video) $1,995.
- Second-row fold & tumble captain's chairs and a second-row mini-console with cupholders. $995.
- Power sunroof. $1,195.
Add $1,095 destination charge and the as-tested price still sneaks in under $50,000 at $49,670. And that is still a bargain in this size class, even apart from the performance capabilities. Consider the $55,000-plus V6 Ford Explorer that Michael tested last fall.
For most of us, the 2017 Dodge Durango is all the performance one could want from an SUV, and the value equation makes it very hard to beat.