Milestone Moments in the Dodge Durango’s Third Generation

The third generation of the Dodge Durango, Dodge’s powerful three-row SUV, has been a very eventful generation. After some driver complaints about the second generation feeling a little lackluster in terms of oomph and materials, Dodge took the Durango off the market for the 2010 model year to get back to the drawing board and return with a better, bolder, and more beautiful model. It certainly delivered on the promise of a better vehicle and then some.

As a used Dodge dealer, we see a lot of buyer interest in the third-generation Durango, which has run from 2011 to today, because Dodge included so many treats in those model years. If you’re looking for an amazing deal on this thrilling large SUV, you might be wondering which model year to check out. Below, we’ll cover some of the highlights of the third generation to help you make your selection. 

2013: An Appearance Package You Can Rally Around, Plus Luxury Second-Row Seats

The Rallye Appearance Group

In 2013, Dodge introduced the Rallye Appearance Group for the Durango. Dodge expressed that this appearance group delivers the style features drivers love in the R/T trim but with the fuel efficiency you get from the V6 engine found in this particular group. Available specifically on the SXT trim, this group of features ups the performance ante, both in true, behind-the-wheel feel and in style. On the outside, you’re going to see striking 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with Mineral Grey pockets. The headlamps get an attractive black bezel redesign, and the fender flares, grille, and front and rear fascias are body-colored. 

The inside of a Rallye vehicle will continue to impress with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Check your hair, and you’ll notice that the visor mirrors are illuminated. Need directions or want to make a call? You get Uconnect with voice command in this group of features to handle tasks while keeping your hands on the wheel. 

Second-Row Captain’s Chairs for Every Trim

In 2013, Dodge made second-row captain’s chairs available across all trims, so if this is a feature that matters to you, you will have more options in 2013 models than in earlier versions. These captain’s chairs create a spacious, luxurious feel in the cabin and offer a flip-and-fold feature, allowing you to easily tuck them away, creating easy access for third-row passengers. Plus, they were available in 2013 with two center console options. The larger center console option includes more storage space, illuminated cup holders, a USB port, and a 12-volt charger, making it terrific for adult passengers who need to get work done on the road.

2016: A Small but Sweet Fuel Efficiency Booster

The 2016 model year was kind of a quiet one in terms of major additions. However, it is worth mentioning that 2016 is when Dodge added standard start-stop technology to its Durango models with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 beneath their hoods. Start-stop technology can substantially increase fuel efficiency, particularly for drivers who spend a lot of time on city streets or in stop-and-go traffic. When it senses you bring the vehicle to a stop, it cuts the fuel and turns off the ignition to conserve gas. Then, when you transition from the brake to the gas pedal, it turns the engine back on. If you hate thinking of all the fuel you waste idling at red lights or in rush hour traffic, this is a great feature to have.

2018: A Performance Enthusiast’s Dream Come True

Okay, speed demons, 2018 was a big year for you. This was when Dodge created the SRT trim for the Durango. Under its hood, you’ll find a roaring 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, kicking out 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Your demands for acceleration will be met enthusiastically. In fact, this model can take you from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The National Hot Rod Association even verified that this model can cover the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. If you happen to have access to a track and want to have some fun during your downtime, the Durango SRT is ready for you.

The SRT is still useful and comfortable, as a three-row SUV should be. It can even tow 8,700 lbs, so it’s just as ready for boating and camping as it is for racing. Plus, you’ll find standard leather and suede surfaces on the inside. If you really want to stand out, you can snag one that has the available Demonic Red Laguna leather seats. 

2022: Added Peace of Mind Behind the Wheel

In 2022, Dodge made a push for more driver-assist features in the Durango, and so the Plus Group was born. Find a pre-owned Durango equipped with this group, and you’ll get Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop. This works in collaboration with regular cruise control but adapts to keep a safe following distance. You’ll set your desired speed and can take your foot off the pedal as usual. The vehicle will reach your set speed when it can, but it will slow down on its own when getting too close to the vehicle in front of you and can even come to a full stop. 

Advanced Brake Assist is also part of this safety group. This system works to provide additional braking power to help you avoid a collision. Using cameras and radar, it detects when you’re already hard braking in an emergency and then provides even more power to your brakes. Lane Departure Warning Plus also comes with this group. When it senses you drifting from your lane, it will alert you to get back into it. 

Even without the Plus Group, there are a couple of driver-assist features you’ll get standard with any 2022 Durango. One is Blind-Spot Monitoring, which will alert you if someone is hiding in your side blind spots. You’ll also get Rear Cross Path Detection, which will alert you if someone is approaching the rear of your vehicle when you’re in reverse.

Check Out the Third-Generation Dodge Durango!

As you can see, the great engineering and design teams at Dodge were hard at work during the third generation of the Durango (and continue to be today). The Durango might have started as a basic workhorse of an SUV, but it has evolved into something so much more. Today, drivers who want the breathtaking power and performance that Dodge is known for but need seating for up to seven passengers can have it all in the Durango. Style lovers don’t need to miss out on head-turning features, either, thanks to the awesome appearance packages and trims like the Rallye Appearance group and SRT trim. 

We have many pre-owned Durango models from this impressive generation on our lot and can’t wait to show them to you! We didn’t even cover all of the highlights of the third generation here (there are enough to fill a novel). If you’re looking for a particular experience behind the wheel, special perks for your passengers, or unique style details, just come in and let us know. We might just have the perfect pre-owned third-generation Dodge Durango for you.

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