Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Dodge Durango SXT rear wheel drive SUV. If you ever wondered what the most popular vehicle on the road is, look at the list of competitors below, and then think back or look around you on the highway and you will see that about 40% are SUV’s or light trucks.
Such popularity is what pushes production because consumers want them so badly car makers make lots of them and the demand pushes up the price and therefore added incentive for manufacturers to produce the most profitable vehicle in their line-up. And the interesting thing is that it is simply a pretty looking upscale truck.
General Information:
It is assembled in Detroit Michigan USA. Classification is Standard 2 wheel drive SUV. Cars from Dodge: Avenger, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Nitro & Viper.
Opinion and Observation:
Revisiting travel safety:
I’m guessing you have wondered how safe it is to drive vs. flying. Flying is the safest mode of transportation when you look at the statistics.
1. In the US, each year there are about 40,000 deaths in automobile accidents vs. about 200 in air transport.
2. Fatality rates per passenger mile traveled is illuminating in that each year in the US 1 out of 6800 drivers dies in an auto accident. The rate for airline passengers is 1 in 1.6 million.
Automotive Innovation:
History of Auto innovation: 1898 – First drive shaft invented by Louis Renault; 1901 – New York first state to require license plates that were called “Number Plates”. France did it in 1893; 1903 – Windshield wipers patented; 1885 – first patent for seat belts; 1890 – Canadian Thomas Ahearn invented the first electric car heater; 1901 – invention of disc brakes by British inventor Frederick William Lanchester; 1920 – Power steering invented by Francis Davis.
Handling & Performance:
Large but powerful 269 horsepower overcomes any performance issues. If you park underground you may, like me, duck instinctively. And parking can be a challenge for most of us in that it is oversized.
Styling:
Do you think these guys were the ones who designed all those big black SUVs that are used for Government convoys for the president, his entourage and all the secret service agents?
Fit and Finish:
Very good but no bullet proof glass or armor of any kind. But I’d still choose to be in one of these in the event of an accident over almost anything on the highway (except an 18 wheeler).
Cost:
Very competitive in class. There are smaller SUVs on the market but not many larger and for those who need 7 seats, the cost is good.
Conveniences and comfort:
Most of what I would want is included in the standard features but at the end of the day if I could afford some extra options they would include an entertainment center if I had kids, and the Trailer Tow Group IV if I had a boat or trailer etc.
Consumer Recommendation:
If price is not a consideration you have a lot to choose from. If it is a consideration the field is reduced substantially and if value is utmost in your mind I have a few suggestions. Hyundai, Kia, Jeep and Dodge jump to the top of my list.
Recognized Competition:
Dodge Durango $29,000, Acura MDX $43,000, Buick Enclave $38,000, Chevrolet Tahoe $40,000, Chevrolet Traverse $31,000, Ford Edge $28,000, Ford Explorer $38,000, Ford Flex $30,000, GMC Yukon $41,000, GMC Yukon Denali $56,000, Honda Pilot $29,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $24,000, Hyundai Veracruz $28,000, Infiniti FX $45,000, Infiniti JX $41,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $28,000, Kia Sorento $24,000, Land Rover Range Rover Sport $60,000, Lexus GX 460 $54,000, Lincoln MKZ $35,000, Mazda CX-9 $30,000, Nissan Murano $30,000, Nissan Pathfinder $29,000, Toyota 4Runner $31,000, Toyota Highlander $29,000.
Good News:
Large, and the advantages outweigh the negatives if you have a need to move a lot of folks.
Bad News:
Large, and that makes it difficult for parking, etc., not so good fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter 290 hp V6 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, stability control, tire pressure monitor, power steering, trailer sway damping, remote keyless entry, sentry key theft deterrent, cruise control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, front side and side curtain airbags, LATCH child anchor system, air conditioning with 3-zone auto temp control, power windows, second row 60/40 fold and tumble seats, third row seat, audio with XM satellite (1 year subscription), Uconnect, CD/MP3, six speakers, audio jack input for mobile devices, steering wheel audio controls, tilt / telescoping steering column, removable rechargeable light.
Gas Stats:
$3.75/ Gal avg. April 30, 2013
For more information.
16 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $29,495.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
