2003 Dodge Durango R/T

Whether you view SUVs as unpatriotic or not, nobody can deny there are plenty to pick from, with about two dozen models on the market and more on the way. At the extreme ends of the SUV spectrum are crossover designs such as the high-performance Cayenne from Porsche, or "cute-utes" like the boxy Honda Element. The Dodge Durango, while by no means the freshest kid on the block, lands squarely in the middle between these extremes. It's essentially a centrist of SUV design themes, but with a right-wing bent toward traditional off-road duties. It has a true 4WD system, a stout truck chassis, and red-blooded American V-8 power. Don't look for any blurring of its intended role, trying to be all things to all people. It knows its purpose in life and doesn't try to pretend to be anything different.

Sized between mid- and full-size SUVs, the Durango's distinctive and muscular contours remain stylish. 17-inch wheels remain standard on the R/T.

The Durango is sized between midsize and full-size SUVs and offers three rows of seats, though the third row is not all that easy to access and the comfort level is more for occasional use. We preferred to fold it flat most of the time and use that area for cargo. Those families with more than 2.3 kids may want to consider a slightly larger vehicle.


Front bucket seats and a 3-passenger second-row bench seat are standard. The 3-passenger third-row seat is not available on Sport models. The SLT can be ordered with a front bench seat for up to 8-passenger capacity, though as noted above, this SUV doesn't really present itself as a people mover, but will do so when pressed. Curtain side airbags that cover the front and second-row seats are optional.

The Magnum 5.9-liter V-8, standard on R/Ts, has plenty of grunt. The new four-wheel disc brakes provide better pedal feel performance.

The Durango has been in the Dodge lineup for a while now, and the 2003 model has a few changes—two new color options (Timberland Green and Light Almond), standard 4-wheel disc brakes, larger standard wheels, revised interior details, and a 5-speed automatic transmission for the 4.7-liter V-8. The Magnum 5.9-liter V-8 that's standard on the R/T model has plenty of grunt, but with the greedy fuel consumption typical for SUVs (16 mpg on the highway, and, gulp, 12 mpg on the street). That's actually not as bad as some of the more gargantuan SUVs, and you can always ease your conscience by turning down the thermostat in your house and getting the SLT model with a 4.7-liter engine instead (a hybrid gas/electric HEV model is in the works, too). One note on the engine's operation—don't be surprised by the rather loud auxiliary fan that kicks on at odd times. It's annoying at first, but you get used to it.


The base 4WD system must be disengaged on dry pavement. A system that can remain engaged on dry pavement is standard on R/T and optional on SLT and SLT Plus models. The dashboard switch is convenient and operates smoothly, though not quite as quick to respond as others we've used. The 4WD system on the Sport does not include low-range gearing, but the others do. Rear ABS is standard and 4-wheel ABS is optional (for comparison purposes, competing SUVs in this class include this feature as a standard item). The 16-inch alloy wheels have replaced 15s for '03, and the R/T shown here retains the 17s.