Really like the looks of the new Durango but can't figure out why ( unless i am missing it somewhere) it doesn't have an option for bucket seats in the middle row and seating for 3 in the back row. I used to have a Jeep Commander and that was a good vehicle but really sucked when you have 4 kids that require car seats. We would have to move the car seats and flip up the middle row to get to the back seats. Or the kids would step on the seat and crawl over it to get back there. On top of this, it had hardly any room for stuff behind the third row. Well all of this went away when we got our Gmc acadia. Awd, buckets in the middle with seating for 3 more in the back, 5000lbs of towing for the boat, and a ton more room behind the 3rd row. So long story short, my lease is within a year of being up on the Acadia and would really like the new Durango but i am not willing to give up the convenience of the kids just walking down the middle to get to their seats in the 3rd row. So hopefully someone at Dodge sees this and can get a 2/ 2/ 3 seating option available. I know 4 people with acadias or traverse and 3 of the 4 chose the buckets with only one going with the bench for the 8th seat. Trust me, with big families, it is a deal breaker!!

 

Na. Don't knock it until you try it. The new Durango was designed with an extra section of room at the open door sills to make getting into the third row very easy. Plus the seats fold down super easily.

On the Acadia (and it's cousins) I have always thought the opening and the rails in the second row floor boards were very ugly and a deal breaker for me on esthetics alone. With kids and active use in the second row, I don't how anyone keeps from getting crap in there constantly.

The new Durango is more vehicle than the newly redesigned Acadia too. Check it out in person!

Good luck on the next ride for the family. The new side air curtains on the D would add a level of safety for the kids too.

IndyDurango

 

I will agree that the rails in the floor on the Acadia suck for keeping clean but not having to move,flip, or tumble a seat for my kids to get to the 3rd row is still a very handy feature. Maybe they could do like the Highlander and add a removable 3rd seat in the middle row to give us an option if we want that seat or not!!

 

I was sure the Durango is considered a 7 Passenger. That would mean it is a 2+2+3 seating right?

 

Thats what i was hoping for but it is 2 + 3 + 2 where as the gm crossovers are either 2+2+3 or optional 2+3+3. I would imagine the 2 seats in the 3rd row are probably more comfortable than the 3 in the Acadia but with primarily kids back there i personally prefer the extra seat.

 

2 +3 + 2

 

Wierd, that's kind of lame. I do figure sitting in those seats would be better than sitting in the back of an extended cab Ford either way. haha.
All I am looking at it for is to haul me and my friends around to ski hills and such, while being able to tow my quad on a trailer, and put my kayak on top as well

 

There is a Dodge Dealer video on YouTube with a 6'3" 300lber in the 3rd row, fits easily and not smushed in there.

IndyD

 

Dude, that is wicked. Do you have a link?

 

Of course I do.

And I stand corrected... he is 6' 6" and 350 pounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rtGfMI5fV8

IndyDurango