A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)
The all-wheel-drive version of the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel carried me through a varied mix of driving duties recently, performing smoothly with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed is controlled from a rotary dial shifter on the center console, with paddle-shift capability from the steering wheel.
The Citadel is the Durango’s upper-end model, has been since its introduction in 2011. Other levels are the basic SXT, the SXT Plus, Limited and performance R/T.
Notable for its crosshair grille, the Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it is a foot longer in overall length to provide three rows of seating.
Though pricing for an SXT with all-wheel drive starts at around $35,000, the amenities-loaded Citadel I drove showed a sticker price of $49,875.
Among the many niceties are Uconnect 8.4 audio/Bluetooth touchscreen display with navigation, backup camera, remote start, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, heated and ventilated leather front seats and heated steering wheel, three-zone air conditioning, power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlamp control, power liftgate, capless fuel filler, adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, blind-spot detection and rear-seat video system.
The Durango rides on 20-inch wheels, with Goodyear Fortera 265/50R20 tires. Cargo space is only 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row of seats; fold them, though, and it expands to almost 48 feet.
The V-6-powered Durango averaged 20.4 miles per gallon of regular fuel.
The alternative engine for the Durango is a 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.
Here are the specifications for the ’15 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 295/260
- Transmission 8-speed automatic
- Steering power rack and pinion
- Suspension independent sport-tuned front, multilink rear
- Fuel mileage estimate 17/24
- Fuel mileage average 20.4
- 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 67%, Mexico 16%
Base Price of Lowest Model $39,495; Base Price of Review Model $43,595; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $49,875.