Overhauled for 2011, the 2012 Dodge Durango qualifies as a wholesale advance on its predecessor. It's not merely competitive. It's near the top of its class in many of the things SUV buyers want. For 2012, the Dodge Durango gets a few minor improvements. Among them are a six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models, newly available second-row captain's chairs and revised trim levels.

'12 Dodge Durango Exterior

2012 Dodge Durango Interior

2012 Dodge Durango Power & Handling

The 2012 Dodge Durango offers a fine mix of passenger-friendly transportation and truck-style ability to work. It starts with rear-wheel drive, in a class increasingly dominated by vehicles built on a front-drive foundation, yet it has a fully independent rear suspension and it's built with a one-piece unibody/frame, rather than a truck-style ladder frame. The Durango is offered in several powertrain combinations. You can choose rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Except for the V6-only SXT, rear-drive versions offer a choice of V6 or V8 power. Durango's rear-wheel-drive architecture means better towing. All models are rated to handle a 5,000-pound trailer. Around town the Durango soaks up big and small bumps alike with nary a quiver.

Design and Styling of the '12 Durango

The 2012 Dodge Durango large crossover SUV is available in four trim levels: base SXT, midlevel Crew, performance-themed R/T and top-of-the-line Citadel. By exterior dimensions, the Durango falls near the middle of the three-row sport-utilities and crossovers in its competitive set. It wouldn't be a Dodge without a big cross-hair grille, and the Durango doesn't disappoint. The cargo hatch in back is powered on all but the base model, but the glass doesn't open separately. Unlike the previous Durango, the current generation uses five-lug wheels, which means a wider choice for those wishing to customize. This one is available with wheels up to 20 inches from the factory, though the standard 18s are probably best for multi-purpose use. The Durango's interior blends a lot of the space, flexibility and family friendly features of a minivan with seating that's less upright and design that's a bit more anti-utilitarian. The front buckets are on the soft side: very comfortable and not confining for short hauls, reasonably supportive to handle more miles at a time. Cargo volume is 17 cubic feet behind the third row (comparable to trunk space in a good mid-size sedan). A simple lever drops either of Durango's third-row seats flat. With the right seat section folded flat in each row, there is more than ten feet of length.

Conclusions

Last year, the Dodge Durango SUV returned to the market after a one-year hiatus. Fully redesigned, the latest Durango is a much different and much better vehicle than the generation that came before, thanks chiefly to its welcoming interior and athletic yet comfortable handling. The 2012 Dodge Durango is fully competitive against top crossover SUVs. For more information about this vehicle, please visit the official 2012 Dodge Durango website.