2015 Dodge Durango: The No-Compromise SUV Receives Added Exterior Appearance Packages, Blacktop and Beats Audio for New Model Year
09/02/2014
Dodge
Upon its debut last year, the new Dodge Durango's combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling made it the Dodge Charger of the SUV segment and an instant hit with critics and in the market place, with sales up 43 percent in 2013. Still, the Dodge brand is always listening to its customers and has responded for the 2015 model year. Due to popular demand, the Rallye Appearance Package will now be available on SXT and Limited models, and Dodge brand's signature Blacktop Package will be available on SXT, Limited and R/T models.
New for 2015, the Rallye Appearance Package brings the R/T model's sporty monochromatic exterior design cues and Hyper Black 20-inch aluminum wheels to V-6 equipped SXT and Limited models. The interiors feature an all-black appearance with cloth seating on SXT and premium Capri leather seating on Limited, while a dual exhaust yields an impressive 295 horsepower and up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) highway.
Dodge Brand's signature Blacktop Package is now available on the 2015 Dodge Durango SXT, Limited and R/T models. Blacktop design cues include a Gloss Black crosshair grille, Gloss Black badge, and Gloss Black 20-inch aluminum wheels, in addition to a monochromatic exterior appearance with unique ground effects and dual exhaust, giving Dodge Durango the sinister dark appearance that has become popular with customers and builds off the success of the 2013 Dodge Durango Blacktop.
Also new for 2015 is the Beats by Dr. Dre audio system. Beats by Dr. Dre founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine worked side-by-side with the engineering team at the Chrysler Group to design and tune the 10-speaker audio system. The resulting audio experience offers the 2015 Dodge Durango sound that only music experts like Dr. Dre, a legendary producer, and artist Iovine, an acclaimed producer and chairman of Interscope Geffen-A&M Records, could achieve. This new system will have delayed availability and is standard on the 2015 Dodge Durango R/T and Citadel, and available on Limited models.
A new red Nappa leather seating package will be available on Durango R/T models (late availability). Previously only available on Charger and Challenger in the Dodge lineup, class-exclusive red Nappa leather complements the menacing and sporty attitude of the R/T's exterior features. This is in addition to the black Nappa leather seating already available with the available Premium Nappa Leather Group.
The 2015 Dodge Durango is available in four trim levels: SXT, Limited, R/T and Citadel. Exterior colors include 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 (Rallye, Blacktop & R/T only), True Blue Metallic and Black Forest Green.
Dodge Durango offers a host of premium features, such as high-end interiors, the latest infotainment technology and impressive powertrain options, along with the exterior design that is distinctively Dodge.
Beats by Dr. Dre audio new for 2015
The formidable Beats by Dr. Dre audio system is coming to the 2015 Dodge Durango. Beats by Dr. Dre is the latest in a suite of user-friendly technology available in the 2015 Dodge Durango, including a customizable standard class-exclusive 7-inch digital instrument cluster, available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Uconnect Access services and sophisticated new features designed to help keep drivers focused on the road.
Uconnect Access 8.4 provides the 2015 Dodge Durango passengers with the segment's largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch) and next-generation mobile connectivity, convenience and multimedia features. In addition to a "Beats by Dr. Dre" start-up screen, the Uconnect Access also controls the
12-channel amplifier that integrates the heart of the Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm, creating the high-definition sound Beats Audio founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, require in their professional recording studios.
The integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio system delivers the mid- to high-range needed for studio-quality sound. Included in the system are:
1 - 12-channel amplifier
1 - 3.5-inch instrument panel speaker
2 - 1-inch mirror flag tweeter
2 - 6x9-inch front door speakers
2 - 6.5-inch rear door speakers
2 - 2.5-inch D-pillar speakers
1 - 8-inch dual voice coil subwoofer
The 2015 Dodge Durango models powered by Beats by Dr. Dre audio system will arrive at Dodge dealerships nationwide in 2015.
High-tech exterior look
The Dodge design team went to work to create an exterior that conveys how advanced the Durango is, while maintaining the muscular body and confident personality customers expect from Dodge.
The 2015 Dodge Durango features projector beam headlamps, with LED daytime running lamps on SXT Rallye and Blacktop packages, Limited, R/T and Citadel. The LED lamps run horizontally along the bottom edge of the headlamp and form a unique "hockey-stick" shape. Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are standard on R/T and Citadel. Auto-leveling technology adjusts headlight beam aim for slight changes in elevation.
Standard on SXT are bright headlamps, bright chrome grille, and bright chrome accents on the front and rear fascias and side sills.
For a more monochromatic appearance, the Rallye Package and R/T models are equipped with dark-tinted headlamp bezels, body-color front and rear lower fascias, wheel flares, grille and sill moldings, all unique to these packages. The new-for-2015 Blacktop Package adds these same design elements, but with its own unique Gloss Black crosshair grille and gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The R/T's ride height has also been lowered by 20 mm, further enhancing its sporty appearance and driving dynamics.
The Dodge Durango has 18- and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs for every trim level, and feature finishes ranging from silver painted to polished aluminum to class-exclusive Hyper Black and Gloss Black. In total, there are seven wheel designs and finishes to select from.
The rear of the Durango sees the dramatic LED racetrack tail lamp design inspired by the Dodge Charger and Dart. This latest evolution of the racetrack design features technology that blends the individual LEDs into one seamless looking ribbon of light. Large 3.5-inch dual exhaust tips are standard on V-8-equipped vehicles, as well as the V-6 powered Citadel, Rallye and Blacktop models; other V-6 powered Durango models have a 3-inch single tip.
A driver's three-row SUV
The 2015 Durango continues to deliver excitement and refinement with world-class suspension and performance. Benchmarked against premium performance SUV's in the market, Durango delivers modernized refinement with electronics, suspension and structural characteristics, which are usually found at much higher price points.
The short/long arm front suspension and isolated multi-link rear suspension features isolated front and rear cradles to deliver precise on-road handling and comfort. The four-wheel independent suspension, combined with the Durango's nearly 50/50 weight distribution, transmits to a solid driving feel and fun-to-drive characteristics.
The Dodge Durango's rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain is the foundation for its outstanding on-road driving performance. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the SUV's 50/50 weight distribution.
While competitors have switched to front-wheel-drive car-based platforms, the HEMI(R)-powered all-wheel drive Durango features a low-range transfer case with a neutral position. Low range improves light off-road performance and helps ease maneuvers, such as pulling a boat up a steep launch or backing up with a trailer. The neutral position in the transfer case allows the vehicle to be flat-towed without damaging powertrain components.
Powertrain choices
Named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for three consecutive years, Durango's standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine generates an impressive 290 horsepower (295 horsepower on Rallye, Blacktop and Citadel) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Pentastar V-6 engine allows Durango to tow a best-in-class 6,200 pounds, and delivers up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The 5.7-liter engine's Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode, when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability, delivering up to 23 mpg highway.
The 2015 Dodge Durango features Chrysler Group's eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary shifter and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard equipment on all models. This state-of-the-art transmission improves fuel economy up to 15 percent compared to the five-speed automatic it replaces, along with enhanced performance and smoother shifts. All these attributes perfectly enhance Durango's fun-to-drive nature.
The 2015 Dodge Durango also features an Eco Mode that contributes to its improved fuel economy. Eco Mode optimizes the transmission's shift schedule, as well as throttle sensitivity, and Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation in V-8 models, to maximize fuel economy.
Advanced interior with premium craftsmanship
Dodge designers have brought Durango to the forefront of technology in the three-row SUV segment, while taking nothing away from the utility and build quality for which Durango is known.
The instrument panel features a center stack that houses the 5-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens. Under these large, easy-to-use touchscreens are redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. The bottom of the center stack houses a media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary jacks, as well as a storage bin.
The instrument cluster has also been given the high-tech treatment and includes a full-color 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screen. Standard on all models, this screen allows for drivers to customize more than 100 ways how information is presented.
Framing the instrument cluster is a three-spoke steering wheel with standard paddle shifters. The buttons to control TFT driver information functions are large and illuminated to make them easier to operate. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access reside along the bottom edge of the vertical spokes. Audio controls are found on the back of the upper steering wheel spokes.
Seating flexibility
With standard seven-passenger seating and luxurious second-row captain's chairs available on all models, the seats in the 2015 Dodge Durango can be converted to as many as 50 different configurations.
Families with three or more children will find the Durango's available captain's chairs with pass through especially helpful as two car seats can stay latched into the second row seats, and there's still easy pass-through for passengers to walk between to get to the third row. The second-row captain's chairs will also make adults feel like they are riding in first-class, with comfortable bucket seats with individual armrests.
A fold-flat front passenger seat is standard on models that aren't equipped with the ventilated seat option. By folding forward, the passenger seat provides more utility, which lets customers load and carry long objects. Once flat, the seat back panel also serves as a convenient utility table. An active head restraint system adds to the long list of available safety and security features.
A versatile 60/40 split folding second-row seat conveniently folds and tumbles. Transporting long items, like 10-foot 2x4s, is not a problem as the left side of the second row folds 60 percent, allowing the versatility of folding the 40 percent seat in tandem with the front passenger fold-flat seat. Longer items can be stowed even with passengers in the second row. To make passengers more comfortable, second-row seats also are available with heat, and they recline 18 degrees.
The third-row seat features a 50/50 split and is easily folded from the rear of the vehicle. For even more utility, both the second- and third-row seats fold to provide a flat load floor to haul a 6-foot couch with room for a coffee table. Clever touches abound, including a switch in the instrument panel to remotely lower the third-row headrests when not in use.
State-of-the-art technology
Five-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, a customizable 7-inch TFT gauge display, forward collision warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop, the latest generation of Uconnect Access Via Mobile and a dual-screen Blu-ray DVD system are just some of the 2015 Dodge Durango's standard and available state-of-the-art features.
The forward collision warning system with crash mitigation alerts the driver if they're approaching a vehicle in front too quickly, and the adaptive cruise control with stop will keep Durango at a driver-selected distance from the vehicle in front when cruise control is engaged and can even bring the SUV to a controlled stop.
Uconnect Access connects vehicle occupants directly with police, fire department or ambulance service dispatcher with the push of the "9-1-1" button on the Durango's rearview mirror - no cell phone needed. The same logic works for roadside assistance. One push of the "ASSIST" button summons help directly from Chrysler Group's roadside assistance provider or the Vehicle Customer Care Center.
Further peace of mind comes from the available theft alarm notification, which alerts owners via SMS text message or e-mail whenever their Durango's security alarm is activated. For the greatest convenience and flexibility, up to five people can be notified.
Customers can put away their smartphones, keep their hands on the steering wheel and still interact with their devices in the ways to which they are accustomed. Media apps from Pandora to iHeart radio to Slacker are all available via voice command - a function of Uconnect's powerful, Cloud-based voice recognition capability. Uconnect Access allows the driver to execute many of the normal functions, such as climate, audio, texting and Bluetooth, all by voice.
Durango also has the ability to be used as a Wi-Fi hot spot. A powerful Yelp search engine can be used via voice command if the driver needs to find a destination. Uconnect navigation then calculates a route and stores the destination's telephone number for handsfree calling.
A 5-inch touchscreen is standard on SXT models while Limited, R/T and Citadel models (and available on SXT and Rallye) have the award-winning 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. These screens controls audio, climate, phone, vehicle functions, navigation (if equipped) and the Uconnect Access system. This system provides large, easy-to-read graphics - including 3D mapping (8.4-inch screen only) - with intuitive, easy-to-use controls.
Mounted on the back of the front seats is an available class-exclusive Blu-ray video rear entertainment system. This system features two high-resolution 9-inch screens, one on each front seat back. Each screen allows customers to watch their movies on Blu-ray or standard DVDs or play their high-definition media interface (HDMI) gaming systems via inputs for HDMI cables or RCAs for each screen integrated into the front seat backs. Wireless headphones are included as is a wireless remote.
More than 60 safety and security features are available on Dodge Durango
The 2015 Dodge Durango offers consumers more than 60 available safety and security features, including standard all-speed traction control and electronic stability control (ESC), which improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on- and off-road. Standard trailer-sway control enhances towing capabilities and keeps the vehicle and trailer aligned as the Durango travels down the road.
Safety and security features include forward collision warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop, Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call and roadside assistance. Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, which aid drivers when changing lanes or in parking lot situations, are also available. In addition, standard front-row active head restraints, standard full-length three-row side-curtain air bags and standard front-seat-mounted side thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision. In total, Durango offers seven standard airbags.
SXT
All 2015 Dodge Durango SXT, Limited and Citadel models feature the award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque as the standard engine (295 horsepower on Citadel). It's mated to a class-exclusive standard eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with a class-exclusive rotary shifter and standard paddle shifters on the steering wheel and can tow up to 6,200 pounds. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is also capable of delivering up to 25 mpg on the highway giving Durango class-leading driving range of over 600 miles per tank.
The SXT retains its crown as the best-equipped SUV under $30,000, given its tremendous level of standard equipment. Every SXT features premium amenities inside and out, including bright accents on the exterior and premium soft-touch surfaces on the interior.
Other standard features include class-exclusive signature 192 LED racetrack tail lamps, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program (ESP), trailer-sway control, automatic projector-beam headlights, projector fog lamps, deep-tint sunscreen glass, power body-color mirrors, speed-sensitive, variable intermittent wipers, chrome grille surround and split crosshairs with black "Split-Hex" texture and 18-inch Tech-Silver aluminum wheels.
On the inside, the new 2015 Dodge Durango SXT features standard three rows of seats with 60/40 split fold and tumble second row, 50/50 split, folding third row, premium cloth seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, new Dodge three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, 7-inch reconfigurable TFT gauge cluster, 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Uconnect AM/FM/MP3, six speakers, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, three 12-volt power outlets located in the instrument panel, the center console and the rear cargo compartment, tri-zone automatic temperature control, including infrared sensors and rear seat outlets, rear-seat air conditioning, air filtering, an overhead console with two LED map lamps, two courtesy lamps, sunglass storage,
full-length floor console and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, speed, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and phone controls. Standard safety features include seven standard airbags, active front headrests, four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system.
Optional equipment includes:
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen
Captain's Chairs
Single disc CD player
Power sunroof
Engine block heater
Blacktop Appearance Group
Gloss Black crosshair grille
Gloss Black 20-inch aluminum wheels
Gloss Black exterior "Durango" badge
Black headlamp bezels w/LED daytime running lights
Body-color front fascia
Body-color rear fascia
Body-color sill molding
Body-color wheel lip molding
Delete roof rack
Dual rear exhaust with bright tips and 295 horsepower
Popular Equipment Group
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
ParkSense rear park assist
ParkView backup camera
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/microphone
Bluetooth streaming audio
Trailer Tow Group
Class IV hitch
Full size spare
Load leveling suspension
Seven and four pin harness
180-amp alternator
Heavy duty engine cooling
Rallye Appearance Group
20-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels
Black headlamp bezels w/LED daytime running lights
Body-color grille
Body-color front fascia
Body-color rear fascia
Body-color sill molding
Body-color wheel lip molding
Delete roof rack
Dual rear exhaust with bright tips and 295 horsepower
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Limited
The Dodge Durango Limited delivers all the standard features of the SXT and adds 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray pockets, LED daytime running lamps, signal repeater mirrors, the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, Capri leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated steering wheel, heated first- and second-row seats, 12-way power driver seat with memory and power four-way lumbar adjustment, 10-way power front passenger seat, including power four-way lumbar adjustment, remote start, ParkSense rear park assist, ParkView rear backup camera, vehicle security alarm, power folding auto-dimming mirrors with memory, HomeLink universal transceiver, 115-volt AC, 150-watt power outlet and Limited badge.
Optional equipment includes:
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Single disc CD player
Nine amplified speakers with subwoofer
Power sunroof
Engine block heater
Rear dual-screen Blu-ray DVD entertainment center
Second-row captain's chairs
Second-row large console (with captain's chairs only)
Navigation and Power Liftgate Group
Power Liftgate
SiriusXM Traffic/1-Year Traffic service
SiriusXM Travel Link/1-Year subscription
3D navigation
Premium Group
Beats by Dr. Dre audio system (late availability)
20-inch polished aluminum wheels
Nine amplified speakers with subwoofer (at launch)
506-watt amplifier (at launch)
Power sunroof
Power Liftgate
SiriusXM Traffic/1-Year Traffic service
SiriusXM Travel Link/1-Year subscription
3D navigation
Safety/Security and Convenience Group
Automatic high beam headlamp control
Automatic headlamp leveling system
Blind-spot monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection
Cargo compartment cover
Cargo net
Bi-Xenon HID headlamps
Power tilt/telescope steering column
Rain sensitive windshield wipers
Blacktop Appearance Group
Gloss Black crosshair grille
Gloss Black 20-inch aluminum wheels
Glass Black exterior "Durango" badge
Black headlamp bezels
Body-color front fascia
Body-color rear fascia
Body-color sill molding
Body-color wheel lip molding
Delete roof rack
Dual rear exhaust with bright tips and 295 horsepower (with V-6)
Rallye Appearance Group
20-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels
Black headlamp bezels
Body-color grille
Body-color front fascia
Body-color rear fascia
Body-color sill molding
Body-color wheel lip molding
Delete roof rack
Dual rear exhaust with bright tips and 295 horsepower (with V-6)
Trailer Tow Group
Class IV hitch
Full size spare
Load leveling suspension
Seven and four pin harness
R/T
The high-performance version of the 2015 Dodge Durango comes standard with body-color hot-rod looks, HEMI power, world-class handling and true R/T heritage. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds.
The R/T model features a unique sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch performance tires with 20-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, a 20 mm lower ride height, a sporty monochromatic exterior appearance with black HID headlamp bezels and LED daytime running lamps, R/T-embroidered leather seating with contrasting red stitching, the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, the new Beats by Dr. Dre audio system (late availability), power liftgate and HID low-beam headlamps.
Optional equipment includes:
All-wheel drive (AWD)
3D navigation
Single disc CD player
Power sunroof
Engine block heater
Rear dual-screen Blu-ray DVD entertainment center
Second-row captain's chairs
Second-row large console (with captain's chairs only)
Technology group
Adaptive cruise control with stop
Advanced brake assist
Blind-spot monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection
Forward Collision Warning Plus
Premium Nappa Leather Group
Red (new for 2015) or black seating color options
Ventilated front seats
Automatic high beam headlamp control
Cargo compartment cover
Cargo net
Floor console with leather armrest
Leather-wrapped door panels
Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power tilt/telescope steering column
Power 12-way driver seat with memory and 12-way passenger seat,
including power four-way lumbar
Rain sensitive windshield wipers
Blacktop Appearance Group
Gloss Black crosshair grille
Gloss Black 20-inch aluminum wheels
Glass Black exterior "Durango" and "R/T" badges
Trailer Tow Group
Class IV hitch
Full size spare
Load leveling suspension
Seven and four pin harness
Citadel
The Citadel is the ultimate in Durango luxury. Citadel customers want premium content with a performance bias, and realize Citadel gets them there at an attainable price in a style that stands apart from the crowd.
Building off the Durango Limited, Durango Citadel standard features include rich, perforated Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second row seats available in Black, Black/Light Frost or Black/Tan. Other standard features include: the Uconnect Access 8.4-inch touchscreen with voice command 3D navigation and live streaming internet radio, remote start, unique 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and a unique grille with chrome surround and chrome "Cross-Hex" texture, power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlamps, rain-sensitive front wipers, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power liftgate, dual exhaust with 295 horsepower (V-6) and more.
Optional equipment includes:
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Single disc CD player
Engine block heater
Rear dual-screen Blu-ray DVD entertainment center
Second-row captain's chairs
Second-row large console (with captain's chairs only)
Trailer Tow Group
Class IV hitch
Full-size spare
Load leveling suspension
Seven and four pin harness
Technology Group
Adaptive cruise control with stop
Advanced brake assist
Blind-spot monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection
Forward Collision Warning Plus
Skid Plate Group
Front suspension skid plate
Fuel tank skid plate
Transfer case skid plate
Underbody skid plate
Manufacturing
The 2015 Dodge Durango will be built in the United States at the Chrysler Group LLC's Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP), where the Durango has been produced since 2010 when the third-generation Durango was reintroduced for the 2011 model year