The new Durango is a completely different machine from the first two generations of large SUVs from Dodge.

Where those rigs really drove like trucks, with graunchy diffs and a stiff ride, the new Durango feels just as butch – but now far more nimble and polite in town.

There is no harshness whatsoever from the RWD or optional AWD setups, and this is still one of the only rear-drive-based, seven seat crossovers on the market.

Yes, there is the Tahoe, but that really moves the trucks up a size (and garage) class too far, for some.

Tow ratings and real-world towing confidence are perhaps the best-in-class as well, with additional ride smoothness and towing confidence from the Durango’s longer wheelbase than its Jeep GC sibling.

Overall, a very solid and competitive truck, with enough power for fast drivers even with the just the new 3.6-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic. A great pairing.

 

The R/T models are by far the most current and stylish, thanks to a long list of upgrades versus the chrome-laden Citadel trim. Of course, the big Hemi V8 would be on my list of R/T benefits as well.

But all that style can be had for much less. Dodge has smartly offered the Blacktop and also Rallye packages on base SXT trims for just $3,000 extra. This gives the cheaper trucks much of the stance and handling of the R/T – for a lot less.

The Durango’s Rallye package includes:

• 295-HP Pentastar V6 engine

• Dual Exhaust with Bright Tips

• 20-inch Hyper Black Aluminum Wheels

• Body Color Grille, Fascias, Sill Molding and Wheel Lip Molding

• Black Headlamp Bezels

• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Microphone

The Durango’s Blacktop package includes:

• 20-Inch x 8.0-Inch Painted Aluminum Wheels

• 265/50R20 BSW All Season Tires

• Black Grille

• Black Headlamp Bezels

• Bluetooth® Streaming Audio

• Body-Color Front Fascia

• Body-Color License Plate Brow

• Body-Color Rear Fascia

• Body-Color Sill Molding

• Body-Color Wheel Lip Molding

• Delete Roof Rack

• Dual Rear Exhaust with Bright Tips

• Goodyear® Brand Tires

• Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob

• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

• Remote USB Port

• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror w/ Microphone

• Uconnect® Voice Command with Bluetooth®

You can see all the Blacktop 2014 Dodges by cruising over to here.

Pricing starts at about $28,000 for the base DUrango SXT.

2014 Dodge Durango – Exteriors

 

 

2014 Dodge Durango – Interiors

 

 

Best of Awards – Coolest SUV Stance – Dodge Durango Rallye and Blacktop