When it debuted, the 2015 Dodge Durango quickly established itself as the Dodge Charger of the SUV market thanks to its uncompromising utility, cutting-edge technology, class-leading towing capacity and range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling. Sales of the vehicle increased 43 percent in 2013. Still, the Dodge brand always pays attention to customer feedback and has made adjustments for the 2015 model year. Due to popular demand, the Dodge brand’s iconic Blacktop Package was offered on the SXT, Limited and R/T models, in addition to the Rally Appearance Package, which was previously only available on the SXT and Limited models.
The Rally Appearance Package gives the SXT and Limited vehicles with V-6 engines the sporty monochromatic exterior design elements and Hyper Black 20-inch aluminum wheels of the R/T variant. The SXT’s cloth seats and the Limited’s premium Capri leather upholstery give the interior an all-black look, and a dual exhaust provides an amazing 295 horsepower and up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.
The 2015 Dodge Durango SXT, Limited and R/T versions are available with the company’s iconic Blacktop package. In addition to a monochromatic exterior with distinctive ground effects and dual exhaust, Blacktop design features include a gloss black crosshair grille, gloss black badging and gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels. These features give the Dodge Durango the menacing, dark appearance that is becoming increasingly popular with customers and builds on the success of the 2013 Dodge Durango Blacktop.
The Beats by Dr. Dre sound system is another feature for 2015. Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, creators of Beats by Dr. Dre, worked closely with Chrysler Group engineers to develop and tune the 10-speaker audio system. The end result is a listening experience that captures the sound of the 2015 Dodge Durango as only renowned producers like Dr. Dre and artist Iovine, who is also chairman of Interscope Geffen-A&M Records, can create. The 2015 Dodge Durango R/T comes standard with this innovative technology, which will later be available on Citadel and Limited variants.
The red Nappa leather upholstery set was offered on Durango R/T versions. Previously offered only on Charger and Challenger models, the class-exclusive red Nappa leather in the Dodge portfolio fits well with the aggressive and sporty exterior design of the R/T. The premium Nappa leather group offered also includes black Nappa leather seats, so this is extra.
SXT, Limited, R/T and Citadel are the four trim lines offered on the 2015 Dodge Durango. Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Sandstone Pearl, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl (SXT, Limited and Citadel only), Granite Crystal Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic, Redline 2 Coat Pearl (Rally, Blacktop & R/T only), True Blue Metallic, and Black Forest Green are some of the exterior colors.
In addition to the distinctive Dodge styling, the Dodge Durango offers a range of high-end amenities, including a luxurious interior, the latest infotainment technologies, and excellent engine choices.
1. Introducing Beats by Dr. Dre music for 2015
A powerful Beats by Dr. Dre audio system is available for the 2015 Dodge Durango. Beats by Dr. Dre is the latest in a suite of user-friendly technologies offered in the 2015 Dodge Durango. It also includes a class-exclusive, customizable, standard 7-inch digital instrument cluster, an optional 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Uconnect Access services and sophisticated features that keep drivers’ attention on the road.
Occupants of the 2015 Dodge Durango can enjoy the largest touchscreen display in its class (8.4 inches), as well as state-of-the-art mobile connectivity, convenience and entertainment options thanks to Uconnect Access 8.4. The 12-channel amplifier, which incorporates the brains of the exclusive Beats equalizer algorithm and produces the high-definition sound that Beats Audio founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine require in their professional recording studios, is controlled via Uconnect Access in addition to a “Beats by Dr. Dre” home screen.
2. Modern exterior design
The Dodge design team was set to work to create a Durango that reflects its technological prowess while maintaining the rugged build and confident demeanor that Dodge customers have come to expect.
The 2015 Dodge Durango comes standard with projection headlights and also features LED daytime running lights on Limited, R/T, Citadel, SXT Rally and Blacktop trim levels. Horizontal alignment of the LED bulbs along the lower edge of the headlamp creates a distinctive “field hockey stick” design. High-intensity bi-xenon headlamps (HID) are standard on the R/T and Citadel. The headlights are adjusted by an automatic leveling system to compensate for the smallest differences in height.
Bright headlights, a chrome radiator grille and chrome elements on the front and rear aprons and side sills are standard equipment on SXT vehicles.
The Rally Package and R/T versions feature dark-tinted headlight surrounds, body-color lower front and rear skirts, wheel flares, grille moldings and sill moldings for a more uniform appearance. The same esthetic components are offered by the Blacktop package for 2015, which also features a special gloss black crosshair grille and gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The design and handling of the R/sporty T have been further enhanced by lowering the vehicle height by 20 mm.
Each Dodge Durango trim level features 18- and 20-inch aluminum wheels in a variety of finishes, including painted silver, polished aluminum and the class-exclusive Hyper Black and Gloss Black. A total of seven different wheel designs and finishes are available.
The Dodge Charger and Dart served as inspiration for the spectacular LED racetrack taillights on the rear of the Durango. The racetrack design incorporates technology that combines the many LEDs into a single, uniform-looking band of light. Vehicles with V-8 engines and Citadel, Rally and Blacktop versions with V-6 engines include large 3.5-inch dual tailpipes as standard equipment; other Durango models with V-6 engines have a 3-inch single tailpipe.
3. A three-row SUV for drivers
The 2015 Durango’s premium chassis and performance continue to deliver excitement and refinement. Compared to other premium performance SUVs that was on the market, the Durango offers updated refinement with electronics, suspension and structural features that are often only available at significantly higher prices.
To ensure precise handling and comfort on the road, the short/long arm front suspension and isolated multi-link rear suspension feature isolated front and rear cradles. The Durango’s near 50/50 weight distribution and four-wheel independent suspension contribute to a stable ride and responsive handling characteristics.
The Dodge Durango’s superior on-road handling characteristics are the result of its rear-wheel-drive powertrain. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) takes advantage of the off-road vehicle’s 50/50 weight distribution to further boost driver confidence.
The HEMI®-powered Durango with all-wheel drive features a low range transfer case with neutral position, while competitors have switched to front-wheel drive passenger car chassis. The low transfer case range improves light off-road capability and facilitates actions such as backing up a trailer or pulling a boat up a steep ramp. The vehicle can be towed with the transfer case in neutral without causing damage to the driveline.
4. Choice of powertrain
The Durango’s base 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine has 260 lb.-ft. of torque and an outstanding 290 hp (295 hp on Rally, Blacktop and Citadel), earning it the distinction of being one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines three years in a row. The Durango’s Pentastar V-6 engine not only offers highway mileage of up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg), but also a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, the highest in its class.
A best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds is possible with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. When less power is needed, Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation in the 5.7-liter engine smoothly switches between a fuel-efficient four-cylinder mode and a V-8 mode. With up to 23 mpg on the highway, this maximizes fuel efficiency when V-8 power is not needed. Performance and capability are not compromised.
Chrysler Group’s eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary shifter and paddle shifters on the steering wheel is standard on all variants of the 2015 Dodge Durango. This state-of-the-art transmission not only offers improved performance and smoother shifts, but also reduces fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the five-speed automatic it replaces. The driving pleasure of the Durango is enhanced by all these features.
In addition, the 2015 Dodge Durango features an Eco mode that contributes to improved fuel efficiency. To achieve the highest possible fuel efficiency, Eco Mode optimizes transmission shifting, throttle sensitivity and, on V-8 vehicles, Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation.
5. A state of the art interior with excellent workmanship
While maintaining the practical features and build quality for which the Durango is known, Dodge designers have brought the Durango up to date with the latest technology in three-row SUVs.
Uconnect’s 5-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens are located in the centre console of the instrument panel. Underneath these large, easy-to-use touchscreens are the repeating buttons and knobs for audio and temperature. The media hub, which also includes a storage compartment, SD card slot, USB port and auxiliary jacks, is located at the bottom of the centre console.
The instrument cluster, which is also high-tech, features a 7-inch full-colour TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen. The driver can choose from more than 100 different display options for the information on this screen, which is standard equipment on all models.
The three-spoke steering wheel is equipped with shift paddles as standard and frames the instrument cluster. To simplify operation, the buttons for the TFT driver information are large and illuminated. At the bottom of the vertical spokes are the buttons for Uconnect and phone access. On the back of the upper steering wheel spokes are the controls for the audio system.
6. Flexibility in seating
Seats in the 2015 Dodge Durango can be arranged in up to 50 different ways, with both conventional seven-passenger seats and opulent second-row captain’s seats available for all variants.
The optional pass-through captain’s seats in the Durango are especially convenient for families with three or more children, as two car seats can remain secured in the second-row seats while there is still an easy pass-through for passengers to access the third row. With their comfortable bucket seats and separate armrests, the second-row captain’s seats also give adults the impression of travelling first class.
Models without the ventilated seats option come standard with a fold-down front passenger seat. The front passenger seat can be folded forward, allowing customers to load and transport larger items. The backrest of the front passenger seat can also be used as a practical table when folded down. The extensive range of safety measures also includes an active headrest system.
The second-row seat, which can be divided into two 60/40 positions, can be easily folded down and turned around. Since the left side of the second row can be folded down 60 percent, it is easy to transport long objects such as 2 x 4 m, as the 40 percent seat can be folded down together with the front passenger seat. Even if there are people in the second row, longer items can be accommodated. The second-row seats can also be heated and recline 18 degrees, making them even more comfortable for passengers.
The third row of seats is split 50:50 and folds down conveniently from the rear seat. The second and third rows of seats fold down for even more comfort, creating a flat cargo area that can fit a six-foot-long sofa and a coffee table. There are many clever details, including a button in the instrument panel that lets you remotely lower the third-row headrests when not in use.
7. Cutting-edge technologies
The 2015 Dodge Durango is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art features, both standard and optional, including 5-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, a 7-inch customizable TFT display, a rear cross traffic alert system with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop function, the latest version of Uconnect Access Via Mobile and a dual-screen Blu-ray DVD system.
Adaptive cruise control with stop function keeps the Durango at a driver-selected distance from the vehicle ahead when cruise control is engaged, and can even bring the SUV to a controlled stop. Front Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation alerts the driver when approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly.
With a push of the “9-1-1” button on the Durango’s rearview mirror, vehicle occupants can contact a police, fire or EMS dispatcher without using a cell phone. Roadside assistance works on the same principle. By simply pressing the “ASSIST” button, you can contact the vehicle’s service center or the Chrysler Group roadside assistance company.
The optional theft alarm notification feature gives owners added peace of mind by notifying them via text message or email when their Durango’s security alarm is triggered. Up to five people can be notified for maximum convenience and flexibility.
Customers can put their phones aside, keep both hands on the wheel and still use their devices in the usual way. Uconnect’s robust, cloud-based voice recognition feature makes voice commands accessible to media applications such as Slacker, iHeart Radio and Pandora. Drivers can control many common functions such as Bluetooth, radio, messaging and temperature via voice commands.
In addition, the Durango can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot. If the driver wants to find a place, he or she can use voice commands to call up a thorough Yelp search engine. The phone number of the destination is then saved for the hands-free function of the Uconnect navigation, and a route is then calculated.
While Limited, R/T and Citadel versions (as well as SXT and Rallye) feature the award-winning 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, SXT models come standard with a 5-inch touchscreen. These displays control the Uconnect Access system as well as Uconnect audio, temperature, phone and vehicle functions. With clear, easy-to-use controls, this system offers large, easy-to-read graphics, including 3D maps (8.4-inch screen only).
Exclusive to this class, the rear-seat Blu-ray video entertainment system is mounted on the front seatbacks. This system includes two 9-inch high-resolution displays, one on each back of the front seats. Customers can use the HDMI or RCA connections on the backs of the front seats to play their High-Definition Media Interface (HDMI) gaming systems or watch movies on Blu-ray or conventional DVDs. A wireless controller and wireless headphones are also included.
8. The Dodge Durango has more than 60 safety and security features
The 2015 Dodge Durango offers customers more than 60 safety options, including electronic stability control (ESC) and all-speed traction control as standard equipment. These systems improve the vehicle’s overall handling and performance both on- and off-road. The Durango’s standard trailer sway control improves towing capacity and keeps the vehicle and trailer aligned while driving.
Safety features include a rear-end collision warning system with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop function, Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call and roadside assistance. Optional Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) are available to assist drivers when changing lanes or parking in spaces. In addition, standard side curtain airbags along the entire length of the three rows of seats, standard thorax airbags in the front seats and standard active head restraints in the front rows of seats provide increased occupant protection in the event of a collision. The Durango has a total of seven standard airbags.
9. SXT
The award-winning Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. Torque is standard in all 2015 Dodge Durango SXT, Limited and Citadel models (295 hp in Citadel). It can tow up to 6,200 pounds and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a rotary shifter unique in this class and standard paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The 3.6-litre V6 engine also has the potential to deliver fuel economy of up to 25 mpg on the highway, giving the Durango a class-leading range of more than 600 miles per tank.
Considering the incredible amount of standard equipment, the SXT has hold the title as the best-equipped SUV under $30,000. Bright exterior elements and premium soft-touch interior surfaces are among the high-end features included in every SXT.
Other standard features include 192 LED Racetrack taillights, a chrome radiator grille surround, split crosshairs with black “split hex” texture, 18-inch Tech Silver aluminium wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock brakes, an electronic stability programme (ESP) a trailer levelling system, automatic headlights with projector beam, projector fog lights, tinted sunshade glass, body-colour power-adjustable exterior mirrors, speed-sensitive variably adjustable windshield wipers and
The interior of the new 2015 Dodge Durango SXT includes three rows of seating as standard, with a 60/40 split-folding second row and a 50/50 split-folding third row, premium cloth seats and a fold-down front passenger seat. There’s also a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 7-inch reconfigurable TFT gauge cluster, a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Uconnect AM/FM/MP3, six speakers, power windows, power door Seven standard airbags, active front head restraints, and a four-wheel disc antilock braking system are all standard safety equipment.
10. Limited
The Dodge Durango Limited has all the standard features of the SXT plus 18-inch polished aluminum aluminum wheels with mineral gray pockets, LED daytime running lights, signal-repeat mirrors, the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, Capri leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated first- and second-row seats, a 12-way memory driver’s seat with four-way lumbar adjustment, and a 10-way passenger seat with four-way lumbar adjustment.
11. R/T
The high-performance model of the 2015 Dodge Durango comes standard with body-color hot-rod styling, a HEMI engine, premium handling and true R/T heritage. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine has a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a best-in-class output of 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque.
The R/T model is equipped with a specially tuned sport suspension, 20-inch performance tires, 20-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, a 20-mm lower ride height, a sporty monochromatic appearance with black headlight surrounds ( HID ) and daytime running lights ( LED ), leather seats with R/T embroidery and red contrast stitching, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, new Beats by Dr. Dre audio system (later availability), a power liftgate and air conditioning HID
12. Citadel
The Citadel is the epitome of luxury in Durango. Citadel customers know they can get the premium content they want with a Citadel performance orientation at a price they can afford and in a way that stands out from the competition.
Rich, perforated Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats available in Black, Black/Light Frost, or Black/Brown are standard features on the Durango Citadel, which is based on the Durango Limited. Other standard features include a power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing front wipers, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a power liftgate, a 295-horsepower dual exhaust (V-6), unique polished 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille with chrome surround and chrome “Cross-Hex” texture. The Uconnect Access 8.4-inch touchscreen with voice control, 3D navigation and live streaming Internet radio is also included.
