I wouldn't call it a problem, more of an issue with spacing of seats in the Explorer for us, but is probably fine for others.

We went with the V6 AWD Crew Plus (CrewLux in the US). Power wise it is more than enough for us for our camping trips and as one of our daily use vehicles.

 

Congrats. Wise choice. It came down to Explorer and Durango for us, too. We kept going back to the Dodgr after test driving several makes.

 

We had to make the same decision 6 months ago between the Explorer and the Durango. One issue that was troubling with the Explorer is the high end MYSYNC system. We drove 5 Explorers at multiple dealerships and they all had MYSYNC issues (lock ups, freezing, NAV, etc.) embarassing. Also the ride quality of the Durango was much better than the Explorer in our opinion. We have the V6 Citadel and could not be more happy with our purchase so far.

 

Agreed! Shame the 2011 D doesn't have LED tails yet other models including the Charger do. Though I think the Charger's LEDs are a bit much with the entire *** lit up. Figured the 2012 D would have LEDs but I see they don't. May be they'll include for the 13's. I'll wait until more aftermarkets come out for my 11.

 

2013 will be the year all the bugs are worked out and the cool tidbits will start to show up. 2014 could be uber cool.

 

i agree. and it will be time to re-lease!!

 

You are correct TC. Also one of the best reasons to lease. My wife swaps something every 4 years. She is in a Toyota FJ Cruiser now.

Historically on the Durango, Dodge updated the underhood and interior in 2001 from the 1998. Thus the initial release was 3 years from update. Arguably, the 2000 has some of the 2001 features but not all.

The 2001 features went another 3 years until the Gen2 release in 2004.

The 2004 kept everything the same for 3 more years until the sheetmetal upgrades on the 2007.

The 2007 lasted 3 years through the 2009 model year. With the big differences on the front and fenders, some considered this a Gen2.5 release.

There was no 2010 D and the Gen3 2011 was a tad rushed having an original slate as a 2012 release.

By the 3 year stair step release history, and the early release of the 2011, 2014 should be the latest most tech advanced, tried and true Gen3 prior to some kind of refresh.

I think we get a much improved Nav/DVD/Sat/Radio setup well before then and I expect a freshen-up to the rearend sheet metal for 2014/15 if not sooner. There may be a front grille change-a-roo earlier too as Dodge phases out the cross hair design. Or they save that and the rear for a complete 2014/15 refresh. Having not followed Fiat/Alpha/Ferr, I don't know what their normal timelines are. They may move sooner or squeeze a few more bucks out of existing tooling by waiting longer. Dunno.

All of this of course is JMHO.

IndyDurango

 

I drove the Exp and had money down on a deal before the dealer tried to screw me! No doubt the Exp drives more like a truck, and actually feels better. I didn't even consider the D until my Exp deal fell through. Then I drove the D and was impressed with just about everything. The Ford is a bit more hi-tech, but the overall execution and quality is not nearly as good. The D rides better, handles better, is quieter, has more passenger room, etc., etc. V8 mpg is not great, but I couldn't get a V6 with all the goodies I wanted. I still think the Exp is a sharp vehicle, but I don't have one regret.

 

I don't pull anything. I want the quietest ride. And my 16 will be learning to drive on it. Seeking all opinions. Thanks.

 

if your going to be teaching anew driver on it get the v6, it has plenty of power for around town/highway driving (without towing) and not so much power that your kid can do something too stupid.


although IMO its better to teach someone to drive on an older car so that when (not IF, but WHEN) they hit something you dont get as upset about it because it wont be the first damage done to the car (hopefully)