Just when you thought we were all aboard the turbocharged four-cylinder train, we’re heading across town to check out the Dodge Durango—one of the only vehicles in our test pool that can be had with a V-8. And of course, we’re talking about the Hemi. No, not the SRT Hellcat. Sorry, this is a family show, literally, and the budget can't afford that much horsepower at the present time. Rather, if we spring for a Durango it will be an R/T model packing the 360hp, 5.7L version.
As any V-8 powered SUV should, the Durango can tow with the best of them: up to 7,400 pounds (RWD) standard and as much as 8,700 pounds when equipped with the factory Tow N Go package. But beyond its ability to lug a sizeable camper, does the Durango deliver on the rest of our needs? Are the third-row seats comfortable, and why don’t they come standard? Is it safe? How much cargo space is available? And can we get what we truly want for less than $50,000?