2012 Dodge Durango ​

Starting MSRP $28,995-$42,995 ​

MPG City: 16 Highway: 22 – 23 ​

Available Engines 290-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 (regular gas) 290-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 (flexible; E85) 360-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 (regular gas) Transmissions 6-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD 6-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual 5-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual ​

Average Consumer Rating (5.0) 



The Dodge Durango is back once again for its 13th year. There are only two new things really about this year’s Durango: the option for a six-speed automatic transmission accompanied by a V-8 engine and captain’s chairs available for the middle row. However, the Durango is still a decent vehicle.

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As I drove this car, I did notice a slight delay in acceleration. Definitely not bad by any means. In fact, you probably wouldn’t even notice if you hadn’t of just driven a dozen new SUVs. It is a beautiful car externally and internally. Plenty of room inside the cabin to seat seven comfortably. As all the other new SUVs, the Durango has satellite radio, navigation, and a rear entertainment package, as well as a Parkview rear backup camera.

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What is that? Something brilliant, I believe. It is a camera attached to the back of the vehicle; when you put the car in reverse, the camera turns on to show you what’s behind you. That could mean a person or how much room you have to back out before hitting a curb. Very nice safety feature when driving a vehicle this large. One particular feature I liked on the Durango is that you can check to see what speeds have been driven previously.

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Have a teenager or a spouse with a lead foot? Easy… you can just look to see on the car how fast it has just been driven. The mileage isn’t too bad; it runs around 16/22 mpg. It takes regular unleaded, which is a plus considering many new SUVs require plus or premium gas. And not everyone can afford that these days. The Durango is a good value, starting at $42.995. It has most of all the features the other SUVs have, so if you don’t care about a second faster acceleration or driving it in “sports mode” or heated/chilled drink holders, this might be a great vehicle for you. With its masculine look and feel and opted Hemi engine, no man would mind driving kids around in this car. Hell, he just might run to the grocery store or take the kids to soccer practice if he can drive the Durango. Who can argue with that?!

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Consumer review NEW Newly available second-row captain’s chairs Slight gas mileage increase for AWD V-6 models Seats up to seven in three rows V-6 or V-8 power RWD or AWD 7,400-pound towing capacity Cruising comfort Long driving range Stable handling Stylish design inside and out Comfortable, supportive front seats