The sport utility vehicles have become the dominating force in the automotive industry and the number of the high-riding models is constantly growing. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been in the news lately with the introduction of the new Ram trucks and Jeep Gladiator. Buyers are also excited about the arrival of the new-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee but the public is also monitoring the news about the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models which should join the brand’s SUV range soon. However, the Dodge Durango is also under a public loupe.
This model related with the Grand Cherokee has also been a matter of speculations and they are many questions unanswered. The contradicting reports are present and while some suggest the discontinuation of the model and replacement by the new mid-size SUV under the Jeep nomenclature some reports claim that new generation Dodge Durango will see the light day.
The unconfirmed reports indicate that the fourth-generation Dodge Durango is under development and should hit the market either as the 2021 or 2020 version. While the redesigned Grand Cherokee was spotted testing, the Durango prototype hasn’t yet been caught by the spy camera. Anyway, the 2021 Dodge Durango should reportedly switch to the new platform like the next Grand Cherokee and employ new engines and technologies. There should be moderate styling changes and upgraded interior quality and sophistication.
2021 Dodge Durango: Design
The Dodge Durango switched to the unibody design with the introduction of the third-generation version for the 2011 model year when adopted the same platform as the Grand Cherokee which was the base of the Mercedes ML as well. During the first two generations, the Durango was the truck-based SUV designed around the Dodge Dakota platform. The 2021 Dodge Durango should reportedly share the same DNA with the redesigned Grand Cherokee. The new Grand Cherokee will be based on the rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV. This lightweight, modular architecture should also form the base of the new Dodge Durango as the reports suggest.
From the visual perspective, the new Dodge Durango is expected to appear with the evolutionary styling upgrades. The model should again play on the muscular-styling card as the current generation version which still looks well. The model should, however, ditch the crosshair grille style and replace it with a sleeker new design. The sharper headlights and new taillights will also be part of the redesign. The model should again have a macular hood and defined fender flares. There are also reports suggesting larger proportions of the new Durango.
Interior, equipment:
The cabin of the new Durango should come fully redesigned and possibly larger. The revamped dash should get a new center stack integrating the newest infotainment platform. The base version should repeat the 7-inch touchscreen but the upgraded version and an 8.4-inch unit should be available in the mid-grades. A large 10.1-inch option could also be available as well as a digitalized instrument cluster.
The new Durango should also gain the latest active safety systems available from the base version. The base model should again use cloth upholstery and offer tri-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, etc. The mid-grades will add more comfort features and an upgraded infotainment system. The range-topping version will switch to the upgraded leather upholstery, premium sound system, ventilated seats, etc.
2021 Dodge Durango: Powertrains
The powertrain range of the 2021 Dodge Durango should again offer diverse options including V-6, V-8, turbocharged unit but the mild-hybrid setup as well.
The base unit should remain a 3.6-liter V-6 engine but could produce around 300 hp. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with the 48-volt mild-hybrid system could also appear in the equipment list. There are also reports about the new turbocharged inline-6 engine. The model should again employ a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and 6.4-litre V-8 likely available with the mild-hybrid setup.
The model will again provide the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options combined with 8-speed automatic transmission. There will also be sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes in some trims.
2021 Dodge Durango: Release, Price
Everything about the 2021 Dodge Durango is still uncertain and we hope that prototype version would soon appear on the roads and confirm the arrival of the fourth-generation version. The reports claim that redesigned Durango should appear in late 2020 and price should increase slightly.
Why not fill a market niche with a “Ram Durango” rather then a Dodge. We Current Ram 1500 owners are soon going to be looking for a decent suv to haul our toys around and don’t want a Ford or Chev Build me a Durango, Ram tough, body on frame with a hemi and I’ll buy it. Leave the Caravans, Sedans, Sport cars, Journeys, etc, to your other divisions.
Just a thought!!!
Where are the 360 degree cameras?