Dodge Durango comes in four trim levels: SXT, Crew, R/T, and Citadel. All Durango trims come with a 3.6L V6 engine as standard and V8 as an option. However, R/T trim is designed to provide more power and thrill, which is why they come with 5.7L HEMI V8 engines. Compared to other trims, the R/T produces approximately 100 more horsepower and torque. Consequently, this trim's fuel economy is also compromised, but given its performance, it is still acceptable. Let's now take a look at some of its features. This SUV is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, an available Automatic headlamp leveling system, UConnect, and various other features we will discuss later in the article.

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Every trim of the Dodge Durango is good in its own way, to be honest. However, the Crew trim has more safety. The Crew trim is approximately $4,000 more expensive than the base trim, which is the SXT. But some features are exclusive to the Crew trim which makes it more valuable and cost-effective. Those features include a power liftgate, rearview camera, park sense, Rear window defroster, remote start, UConnect, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, etc.

In the 2012 Dodge Durango, there are four trim levels, and there are basically two powertrains available. Except for the R/T trim, all trims come with a 3.6L V6 that generates 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim is equipped with a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that generates 390 lb-ft of torque and 360 horsepower. With the Durango, power is sent to the wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission. 

On the other hand, the R/T trim gets a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is new for this year. The trims are also available in RWD or AWD, allowing buyers to choose their preferences when purchasing. Compared to its competitors, the V6 models feel a bit slow in terms of acceleration. The Durango goes from a standstill to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, while the R/T trims cover the same distance in 7.4 seconds.

Among the competition, it is the Dodge that is the most powerful on paper. However, the Toyota Highlander here ran a 1/4 mile and 0-60 mark faster than any other competitor. These milestones are completed in about 7.5 and 13.9 seconds by the Highlander, which is by far the fastest in its class followed by the Chevrolet Traverse which attains the quarter-mile run in 16 seconds.

When it comes to 2012 Durango's fuel economy is a little lower than most of its competitors. However, the Durango has the top spot when compared to the overall driving range, as it has a bigger fuel tank measuring 24.6 gallons. It can achieve 16 MPG in the city, while on the highway it can reach 23 MPG. The R/T trim, on the other hand, has a HEMI V8 which is a gas guzzler. Thus, we can say that the Dodge Durango has an average fuel economy, and nothing is holding it back in this case.

In both the city and on the highway, the Ford Explorer achieves the best fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and a combined 20 mpg which makes it a highly fuel-efficient car for its weight and size. Nevertheless, the Dodge Durango here comes out on top when it comes to driving range offering 393.6 miles in the city and 565.8 miles while cruising down the highway, thanks to its big 24.6-gallon tank. 

There are no changes made to the 2012 Durango's interior compared with the older models. There is a small rectangular structure on the dashboard that houses most of the buttons and the screen itself. Despite being very basic, the design is clean. On the base model, the seats are upholstered in cloth, while leather is used on the upper trims. There is a lot of space inside the cabin with sufficient legroom. 

New for this year, the second-row seats of the Durango have been converted into captain's chairs. Again, 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space can be found with all seats upright, which is less than other rivals. However, inside the cabin of Durango, you have a plethora of storage compartments that are incredibly huge and very functional at the same time. Moreover, all three rows are automatically cooled and kept comfortable by a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

In terms of headroom, the Explorer offers the most space out of any SUV in this segment. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander has the most legroom in the front, measuring 43.2 inches. Although the Durango provides good space again in the second row, the Ford Explorer tops this section with the most legroom and headroom. The Chevy Traverse offers the largest cargo space when all the seats are upright, measuring 24.4 cubic feet. Standout interior features include 2012 Dodge Durango:

• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Leather Shift Knob & Steering Wheel With Heating Feature 
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Driver seat memory

How intuitive is the 2012 Dodge Durango’s infotainment unit?

At the front of 2012, Dodge Durango has an infotainment screen that is supported by Sirius XM Radio. Other basic features include AM/FM stereo, 9 total speakers, USB ports, etc. When it comes to the infotainment system, the base model is pretty basic. But once you get to the Crew trim, things start to get interesting because it comes with loads of exciting features. 

It comes with a 6.5-inch screen integrated with the UConnect system and other features such as 10 premium Alpine speakers, a 40GB HDD, hands-free phone, and voice command. Also available at an extra cost of $1,395 is a rear DVD entertainment center that adds screens to the rear for rear passengers' entertainment. Standout infotainment features in the 2012 Dodge Durango are:

• Alpine Premium 10-speaker system
• 40 GB Hard Drive
• Hands-free phone with voice command
• Sirius XM
• 6.5-inch screen
• Rear DVD Screen (Package)

Even though the 2012 Durango didn't receive any new changes to its exterior, it remains one of the best-looking SUVs in its segment. As a result of its bulky size and big grilles at the front, you'll feel the muscle car character throughout the body. The 2012 model year also received three new body color options, namely True Blue, Canyon Brown, and Deep Molten Red. Throughout its design, a very aggressive profile has been maintained. 

Moreover, its body is quite long, making it one of the longest SUVs in its segment. The R/T trim level, the Durango comes equipped with an attractive Sport package that contributes to its dynamic appearance. Normally it comes with 18.0-inch wheels, but on top-of-the-line trims, you are provided with 20.0-inch wheels as standard. On the higher trims, it also comes with a power liftgate and sunroof.

Durango's wheelbase and ground clearance are among the highest in its class. It is also one of the heaviest vehicles in its class weighing 4756 lbs. In comparison, the Chevrolet Traverse appears to be the longest SUV in terms of length measuring 205 inches, while the Ford Explorer is the widest at 78.9 inches. Some of the Standout exterior features of the Dodge Durango are as follows.

• 18.0-inch wheels
• Power liftgate
• Remote trunk release
• 20-inch alloy wheels (optional)
• Power Sunroof

The Dodge Durango uses the same unibody platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is known for its stiffness. Furthermore, it features a variety of safety technologies that were considered very advanced in the year 2012, as we will discuss below. Due to its average results in the frontal crash tests, Durango got a 4-star rating out of five from NHTSA. On the other hand, the IIHS awarded it with the 2012 Top Safety Pick award and gave it an overall good score. Some of the Standout safety features are

• Electronic stability control
• Advanced multistage front airbags
• Supplemental side airbags
• Tire pressure monitoring display
• Enhanced accident response system
• Active head restraints

Among 7-seater SUVs, the Dodge Durango offers great value in its class while balancing performance, look, and features well. Consumers can choose between a V8 or a V6, and they can also choose their preferred drivetrain. Its cabin is fairly spacious, but its cargo space and fuel economy aren't that impressive. Lastly, we would say, if you are looking for an SUV in this segment, the Durango is certainly one that you will want to have in your garage.