Jan and I, aboard a 2016 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD, ventured out into that terrible blizzard that shut things down the morning of Wednesday, March 23.
Heading for Denver, we didn’t even reach Platteville from our home in Greeley before turning around and slowly and carefully making our way back.
The Durango’s all-wheel-drive system provided good grip, but visibility was nothing in the heavy, blowing snow, half a foot deep.
The Durango offers two AWD systems. The V-6-powered review model we were driving is equipped with a single-speed transfer case for full-time AWD with 50/50 torque split. The Hemi V-8 version has a low-range transfer case, with variable torque split.
Towing capabilities are 6,200 pounds for the Pentastar V-6 and 7,400 pounds for the Hemi.
Enhancing performance of both AWD setups is an 8-speed automatic transmission, controlled from a rotary dial shifter on the center console, with paddle-shift capability from the steering wheel. The Durango V-6 AWD is rated at 18/25 miles per gallon; including the deep-snow drive, it averaged 18.8 for my travels. It develops 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Durango crossover SUV is a three-row alternative to the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee, which offers only two rows of seating. Though built on the same platform as the Grand Cherokee, the Durango is a foot longer in overall length. It is recognized by its crosshair grille and high-riding hood.
Optional items added to the ’16 Durango Citadel raised price from a base of $43,895 to $50,670. These included a Beats premium audio system with dual-screen video and rear DVD entertainment, adaptive cruise, collision warning, blind-spot and cross-path detection, and second-row fold/tumble captain’s chairs. The Durango was set on 20-inch wheels.
The Citadel, introduced in 2011, is the Durango’s upper-end model. Other levels are the basic SXT, the SXT Plus, Limited and performance R/T.
Here are the specifications for the ’16 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD:
- Capacity 7-passenger SUV
- Wheelbase 119.8 inches
- Length 201.2 inches
- Width 75.8 inches
- Height 70.9 inches
- Curb Weight 5,097 pounds
- Track 63.9 inches front, 64.1 rear
- Ground Clearance 8.1 inches
- Turn Circle 37.1 feet
- Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
- Engine 3.6-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque 290/260
- Transmission 8-speed automatic
- Steering power rack and pinion
- Suspension independent sport-tuned front, multilink rear
- Fuel mileage estimate 18/25
- Fuel mileage average 18.8
- Fuel Tank 24.6 gallons, regular
- Wheels 20-inch
- Tires Goodyear Fortera 265/50R20
- Cargo Volume 17.2 cubic feet
- Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain
Competitors Ford Explorer, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Touareg
Assembly Plant Brampton, Detroit, Mich.
Parts Content U.S./Canadian 66%, Mexico 18%
Base Price of Lowest Model $39,595; Base Price of Review Model $43,895; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $50,670.