Hi All. Short time lurker, first time poster here.

I'm in the market for a new SUV. I drove many different brands and models over the past couple of weeks. I've never been a Dodge guy and have always sworn I would never be. Well, here I am eating those words and seriously considering a Durango Citadel AWD. I'm coming out of a 2004 4wd Ford Explorer with a V8.

V6 or V8?

Here is the issue. I'm not a fan of the gas mileage I get with the Ford (but love the torque and acceleration). I average around 15 or 16 mpg. The BEST I've ever gotten on the highway was 19 mpg.

I tow a 15 Foot Boston Whaler every weekend about 15 miles round trip. Twice a year I tow it about 800 miles round trip.

The other advantage with the V8 is that it comes with a two speed differential and the ability to lock the wheels in 4wd Low. I run the beach at Cape Cod national seashore for one week a year and this may come in handy, although I've never needed to use 4L in the Explorer.


Is it worth getting the V8 to more easily accommodate my towing or should I consider fuel economy first and go with the V6?

Thank you in advance.

Soon to be new Dodge owner,
Ponyboy13.

 

I have an eight cylinder Citadel. I tow my motorcycle to the track every month. We averaged 19 MPG on our last trip towing the bike from Los Angeles to Monterey. The Citadel replaced a six cylinder Infiniti FX35. Much happier with the power of a V8 esp considering the weight of a Citadel.

 

I have had my express v6 for 4 months and I have 14,000 mikes already and I say the best part of this rig is the towing! i get 16 plus towing my 18 foot jet boat. Yesterday i towed a 12 utility trailer and it is such a good tow vehicle. Did I mention that I;m averaging over 21.5 mpg with it in mixed driving. Plus the passing power with the 5 speed tranny is impressive! My last vehicle was an 03 Chevy Trailblazer I-6 and it is not in the same league as the D.

 

I'm just going to assume that you haven't driven many newer SUVs, the 5-speed is one of the sore spots for the Durango and takes away from its acceleration tremendously.

 

Is the Boat within the tow limits of the V6? Does the dealer have a demonstrator? Could you hook up the boat and see if it has the power you need? I would want to test it.

 

Boat is only about 1500 pounds.

I've seen the gripes about the 5speed. The 8 spd seems interesting. What are the odds we see it anytime soon?

 

Ive got no issues with the 5 speed. But I came from a 4 speed V8. I'd like to drive the 8 speed when it comes out, but I put a few miles on a demo V6 and found it very adequate. From what I've read, the 8 spd won't arrive till 2013 models. And im loving the mileage of he V6 over the V8.

 

There is nothing wrong with the 5 speed. Most reviewers are simply spoiled, over funded, nay sayers. Just like there is nothing wrong with a Gen1 3 speed with Overdrive.

Is 6 speeds or 8 speeds a must. I wouldn't say so. Improved shifting, transfer and gas milage, sure. But that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with not having it.

Some day they will all be CST and no shift points at all. We will all wish he had that old neck snapping three speed then and say to hell with such "refinement."

Is it a truck or a pillow? Anybody saying less is a *****.

IndyDurango

 

1500# is nothing for these trucks to tow regardless of engine or transmission, if you want peace of mind you can go to engine diagnostics on the DIC and watch tranny temps. I had my truck about a week (over 500 miles on it) and had to tow 3000 lbs with 5 adults in the truck and luggage on a 95 degree day for 175 miles and it never got hot! (168 - 171 degrees) I don't even have the tow package.

 

Had a Saturn Outlook with a six cylinder....couldn't tow my boat (5000 lbs) and got 14 miles to the gallon. Bought the Hemi cause I didn't want to kick myself after getting the six. No Shate Hemi miles 17 mpg in mixed driving......so glad I got the Hemi.

The five speed (taken from Mercedes) is smoother than my old Lambda platform tranny. Did I mention that I dropped 3 transmissions, 2 driveshafts, and two AC motors in the GM product?

The only thing that the eight speed will give you is a few more miles per gallon. 5 speed is smooth and without hiccups.

You've SEEN gripes about the 5 speed??????? Obviously you don't own one.

LOL. Enjoy the Hemi!