I planned on posting about the Durango’s mileage and comfort on our families recent 3500 mile round trip to West Virginia. But a careless driver spoiled any story telling mood left in me. So, here’s the short version: I own an AWD 5.7 Citadel running on premium. Mileage from Rapid City to WV averaged an impressive 22.1 mpg (Pen/paper) with about 650lb persons+cargo. Seats were very comfortable and supportive, no complaints after each of the 8 hour driving days. Mileage on the way back with a rooftop carrier, another 200+lbs of cargo and some front end damage was still an impressive 19.2 mpg.
The accident happened near a shopping plaza with a four lane road with a center turning lane.
I was in the left lane. A large truck was just ahead of me in the right lane slowing to make a right turn.
The driver of the Ford Escape waiting to make a left turn from where the truck was headed apparently didn’t think there may be someone traveling in the passing lane and decided to shoot across. I only had about 25 feet to respond at 30 mph when she came from behind the truck and into my lane. When I hit the brakes, I think I only felt the ABS lock up twice before colliding. It was a solid hit, the Cop had to pry her door open, the subframe at the door sill was crushed by my tow hook and her B-pillar was also twisted. I think there was a police unit in traffic because they arrived almost immediately and proceeded to give her a citation. Preliminary damage to my Durango seems minimal; hood, bumper, lots of plastic bits. I had it checked at a shop in WV and they couldn’t see any other damage and drove just as straight as ever.
Now back in Rapid the body shop will be tearing into it, putting on a frame jig….
I told them to measure everything, every panel gap, every suspension point etc. I’ll post an update when I get the final tally.

 

First of all glad you and your family were not hurt, amazingly your Durango seems to have only minimal damage from the accident. How many miles do you have on your Durango so far? your fuel mileage as you reported is impressive. Also did the BSM and collision warning system sounded on the imminent crash?

 

Glad no one was hurt. We can fix cars, people are a lot tougher.

NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace was once in a very bad accident in his Durango. He credited it to saving his life. All in all, regardless of the Generation, the Durango is well designed in how it protects the driver and passenger in most situations.

Side note, did the mileage drop after the accident? Looks like a dent in the hood lip too.

IndyDurango

 

Thanks guys,

@Sidewinder9m, I've got about 8300 miles on it so far and yes I did hear the collision warning beep before we hit.

@IndyDurango, Yeah, there are two dents in the hood and the headlight is slightly recessed. I don't think there was enough aerodynamic damage to affect the fuel economy.

 

I generally see about a 1 mpg drop when I've got my Yakima Skybox on top of my 2001 Durango, but it has alot to do with wind. No wind or a tail wind and I hardly notice it. Head wind and I lose 1+ mpg.

 

Heck, when I'm cruising the curves at speed I get the warning all the time ;-)

 

"Heck, when I'm cruising the curves at speed I get the warning all the time ;-)"

You can adjust the sensitivity in the setup menu.

 

Yes, but you lose some of the benefits by reducing the range. I've not had this problem with similar systems on other cars, so I'm assuming this system is just less sophisticated.

 

Well, I finally dropped my Durango off at the shop yesterday, the hood was on backorder. I was told repairs would take at least 4 days with a trip back in 60 days after the paint cures to reapply the protection package. And what did Enterprise bring me as a rental? A white 2011 Dodge Durango Crew v6 AWD. lol

 

ZCR1,

Glad to hear you were not hurt and that your hood has finally arrived. Please let me know how satisfied you are after the dealership repairs your vehicle. Thanks....