When I drove the 2013's . . . V6 and Hemi back to back, i was convinced that I would get the Hemi. Then I decided to wait to get a 2014. drove a 2014 V6 yesterday, and I think the new transmission has had a positive effect on the performance of the V6. Looking for opinions on this, and overall opinions of which engine to get. This vehicle will be used primarily by my wife for around town driving with the kids, about 12k miles per year. very little highway driving, and no towing.

 

V8 is V8 - nothing more left to say

 

I went with the V6. The D is our family road trip vehicle and I don't have a need to tow anything with it, so the extra mileage on the Highway is nice (and the cheaper price tag, too).

 

Based off of your expectations of the vehicle and the fact you won't be towing and just doing in city driving, get the v6.

If you are like me and load the Durango full of hunting/fishing/archery gear often, tow your boat and want to carry friends along with you......get the HEMI.

 

My last vehicle was a 2006 Magnum R/T, and it's rare that I miss having them Hemi. I do about 85% highway and don't tow anything, so I don't actually need the extra ponies. Even though it's not quite as much fun when I feel the urge to mash the go pedal, it's still got plenty power. And for what it's worth, the dual exhaust on the Rallye does make a noticeable difference over the other pentastar equipped trim levels.

 

I would definitely want duals with the V6. With the new 8 speed, it is certainly an attractive package and if I were buying a 2014 it would be a consideration. I tow a 3100# trailer and have the 2013 with the 5/6 speed. That said, the V8 was the proper match for me.

 

I have the V6 in a 2012 Crew AWD. Power is fine for every day driving, and towed a 16' 40hp aluminum boat for 6 hours like nothing was there (boat and Durango were boyth loaded full of stuff plus family of four).

That said, I often wish I would have splurged for the V8, for entirely irrational reasons. The sound, some extra power, the true 4wd system instead of a awd with no low range.

The good news - if you think a brand new v6 felt powerful enough for you, just wait till it's got 10,000 miles on the clock and is broken in. I felt that it took at least that long for it to really come to life.

Steve

 

what kind of gas mileage are any of you getting with the V6? with the Hemi?

 

My R/T averages 15 in the city and I get 21 on the highway.

 

I normally get around 21.5-21.8 mpg. I calculate my gas milage on every tank, always have. It's an OCD thing, lol. The EVIC claims I average about 23.1 mpg.