OK, don't scream at me Durango lovers. Still looking for the right one for me, so going all over the places and checking them out. But since they are standing right there with Jeeps its hard not to try new Grand Cherokee Overland. For my taste Durango looks better outside, but Jeep is more stylish inside and with more advanced off-road capabilities it has a point there. So, owners of Durangos, question... Why did you go with Durango?

 

We had a loaner Jeep GC with our previous SUV for a day. We did like it a lot but I did not like the ride at all. I felt like on certain bumps while turning, I was going to get thrown into the next seat.

In the end, the main reason for the durango, above all else, is the 3rd row. Once one is going to get an SUV and one is going to accept that level of fuel efficiency, IMO, I just don't see the point in getting a 2 row only SUV. And the Durango's 3rd row is very usable. If the Jeep GC had had a 3rd row, we might have revisited it.

I realize lots of people that say they have no need for a 3rd row. There are also lots of people that say how much they regretted that decision.

If one really only needs two rows, if I only needed two rows, and I didn't need to tow 5000lbs, but I wanted something SUVish or just want to be higher off the ground, I would look at other crossovers that are more fuel efficient.

 

I'm pretty much on the same boat with you. Currently driving 2007 Acura MDX but need to tow little more than its capable of. With my boat and fully loaded inside its just getting into uncomfortable zone. And MDX has a 3rd row so naturally I'm looking at the Durango. But on other hand with MDX I often find myself offering rides to people and driving heavier and longer trips. Overall I use 3rd row for my needs maybe 2-3 times a year. Jeep appeals to me with better off-roading, which is nice to have.

 

We truly are in the same boat. I was also pushing the towing limits of our previous SUV, a Volvo. Plus, both the Volvo and MDX, their max tow rating actually drops as you load passengers. Neither is rated to tow their max rating of 5000lbs when fully loaded with more than 2 occupants. It's based on the GVWR.

Even a 6 cylinder durango (or jeep GC) can not tow their max of 6200lbs with all 3 rows loaded (and gear). Only the hemi has the specs to pull the full 7200 and a full load of passengers and gear.

I can't remember the last time I really went off road.

 

We do lots of skiing during winter time and some off-roading in Yosemite area from time to time, but I'm pretty sure Durango will be fine there too. So, after all it really comes to that 3rd row thingy. BTW, how do you like 2011 Citadel? any doubts for not waiting for new transmission? I'm asking because there are very good deals on 2011 Durangos right now, and I'm tempted to jump the gun.

 

From what I've read, the "new" transmission is not really new at all. It's just a reprogrammed transmission, and that it didn't really gain a gear. There is a thread on here about that already.

I did exactly that, went for an '11 because of the better deals.

My family LOVES the citadel. All the little extra gadgets all just add up. I thought adaptive cruise control was going to be a waste, but I absolutely love it now. It works really well. It's nice to just be able to set the cruise control and not worry about rear ending anybody. The only thing I don't like about the citadel is the excessive chrome.

Everything has it's pros and cons. Compared to the MDX that we test drove and our prior Volvo, my main gripes with the Durango would be

1) I wouldn't mind it if the seats were a little softer.
2) There are a few "cheap" feeling items still, that sound hollow or weak, not solid like on the mdx or volvo. For example, some spots on the door panels.
3) I wish the hemi sounded a little "deeper". Doesn't sound like a hemi until I push it. Still though, sounds way better than the 6.
4) I wish the stereo had a few more controls. I really wish there was a dedicated ****/wheel (like the typical big center acura ****) for scrolling through music lists.

The single biggest thing is that the Durango is bigger. The MDX and Volvo are smaller and feel more nimble. Everybody in my family prefers the durango ride now, we think it's quieter, but there's no mistaking, it IS a bigger SUV.

 

If you like the way the GC looks and dont need the larger rear cargo space then thats what you should get, my dad had 8 GC in a row (last one was the 07 SRT8) and now he went and did the D Citadel since he has 2 grandchildren now lol.

 

I'm not quite at the Citadel/Overland level but what primarly swayed me towards the Durango over the GC was the 3rd row seats. A few of the standard featuers in the Durango also convinced me (standard 3-zone climate control) and I also liked the openness of the Durango console compared the to door on the GC.
I have an SXT and didn't go for too many options price was a HUGE factor in me getting anything - but I do think the 3rd row is a deal maker for alot of people.

 

Yup, third row and size. We fit our three large dogs in the back with the third row down and the kids in the second row. Or load up all the friends with the third row up, taking one truck is better.
The GC is smaller but if you have no need for a third row or extra cargo get it if you like it better.
We just thought the D was the perfect combo of extra size without being to big like a Tahoe. Plus I think the RT looks bad a**!

 

I recently jumped on a 2011 D heat(great deal cuz of 2011). its got the styling of the R/T, a very aggressive look. the Heat does not come with the third row, which my wife was heisitant about at first but we only have one child(6 mos) so i explained to her that we dont need the third row, its like the just in case row. just like she wants to waste a room in the house as a "guest room" but i dont wanna waste a whole room just in case that one time a year someone stays at our house. so we have plenty of room in the back for the stroller or pretty much anything i wanna haul. Jeeps are very nice but IMO the durango is more aggressive looking and is more customizable if you want to add rims or other body accents. Not do mention i already own a dodge ram and like to keep it n the family