If there is someone in the newsroom of autocosmos who can presume to know better than anyone the Dodge Durango is me. I have had the opportunity to handle it in practically all its facets and this is no exception, since, in front of you, you have the last member of the family that has arrived in Mexico.
I mean the 2022 Durango GT PlusAlthough it may not sound as exciting as the R/T, SRT or Hellcat versions, it actually has a few improvements that could make it the most sensible purchase in the family. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and get to know the details.
What’s new?
Two years ago I drove the 2020 Durango GT, and at least in the section of exterior design and even mechanics, everything remains virtually the same. In fact, it is difficult to find the differences between one model and another. However, there are important improvements that we can list.
For starters, we have an interior, which adopts the improvements already seen in the 2021 model.. Which consist of a redesigned dashboard, where a 10-inch touch screen with Uconnect system stands out, as well as coupling with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Its operation is very easy, you have a wide catalog of settings to adjust.
Personally, I like that the climate control controls are still by buttons. Also noteworthy is the 7-inch digital cluster, flanked by classic needles for the tachometer, temperature, and fuel tank gauge.
Regarding materials, there is no complaint. The plastics are soft, and the leather is distributed in the seats, steering wheel, lever and even dashboard. The truth is that the Durango has aged quite well, but despite the efforts, the passage of time begins to show. Above all, if we compare it with last-bake vehicles.
Same mechanics and consumption
In the mechanical section, we find that the Dodge Durango GT Plus retains the scheme composed of a 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine with 295 Hp and 260 lb-ft, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The propulsion is to the rear wheels.
Despite having close to 300 horsepower, the Durango is not as sporty and in fact, the performance can be considered correct, more than enough if it is used for family use. Do not forget that we are talking about a vehicle that weighs 2,207 kilograms.
Be careful, it is not slow, in fact, it fully complies with the mobility of a family, offering the necessary power to maintain highway speeds of 160 km/h with the engine running at 2,000 rpm with a very respectable feeling of stability and comfort. In fact, in theory it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 224 km/h.
As is the tradition at Autocosmos, we carried out our respective consumer test, yielding quite interesting data. Thus, on our usual route we traveled 124.4 kilometers for which 16.8 liters were required. In the end, the math yields a figure of 7.4 km/l on the combined cycle. Not bad, considering that Dodge’s official number is 8.9 kilometers per liter.
safer to drive
In the mechanical section there are no changes, but this Durango GT has a plus, which is not only in the name and is that, unlike the normal model, this version stands out for incorporating driving assistance such as: Cruise control Adaptive Plus, Forward Collision Warning System with Brake Assist, Advanced Brake Assist System, and Lane Departure Assist System. The operation of the systems is efficient and, in fact, on more than one occasion, they freed us from one of the other collisions due to range.
Dodge Durango GT Plus is it a good buy?
In conclusion, we could say that the main advantage of the 2022 Dodge Durango GT Plus, is that it offers the same equipment that we will find in the Durango R/T. It is true, we do not have that heady V8 HEMI, but instead it is offered as a model with more sensible manners, ideal for those looking for a family SUV that looks very sporty and aggressive.
You have to be very frank, the Durango is no longer a novelty, and despite the efforts of the brand to keep it current, it already shows the passing of time, but it has a sex appeal, like few models on the market. In fact, with a price tag of $1,020,000 pesos (only available in Black Crystal and White Knuckle colors), it has to face rivals like ford explorer xlt, Chevrolet Traverse LT, Honda Pilot Touring Y Volkswagen Teramont Highline.