I think you should throw the Expedition EL in the mix with 4 kids.
Much more space than the Durango and the cargo area is way bigger even with the 3rd row up (totally lay flat not like the suburban/yukon/escalade 2013 and previous).

 

Go to Edmunds.com, click on Car Research, click on Compare New Cars. From there you can dial up the Durango, Expedition and Tahoe side by side and compare external and internal dimentions etc. Don't pay too much attention to the price they quote because the Ford and Chevy are both V-8s and you'd need to add a Hemi to the Durango to get a more accurate price. You can also add the Chevy Suburban but that is in an other class.
Then go out and test drive all three.

 

Tahoe, expedition and Durango are all basically the same with the interior. The suburban, Yukon XL and Expedition L all have roughly 1.5' more length in the cargo area.

 

We have an 08 Honda Odyssey (wife's) and my 2012 Durango. We have two kids (2 and 5) plus a 90 lb yellow lab.

The minivan eats cargo like nobody's business, dwarfs the Dodge's capacity. The Dodge drives like a sports sedan compared to the minivan.

If you are looking for enough space for the family on extended trips with luggage, the D isn't going to do it. You will however be fine for carting the group around.

I considered a used Tahoe vs my Durango. I liked that I could buy a new Durango for nearly the price of a 5 year old Chevy. Drive them both and see what you like. You mention RT... keep in mind I'm pretty sure those don't have the roof rack. With that size family you might wish you had one if you want to take the D on a trip.

Steve

 

I will be honest... i was not too happy with the durango rear seat space. i have a 2yo. and got rid of my durango for a '13 ram. I always had to have my son on the pass side of the vehicle so i could drive comfortably which then caused my wife to be "kissing" the dash.

IMO there is way too little space for a rear facing child seat (which i assume your youngest is still). I'm 6'2 with longer legs so i have to have the seat almost always back. When i got my ram i also looked at the current model tahoe. i felt the same with the placement of the rear facing seat if its behind one of the front 2. now a rear facing would fit in the middle between the front 2. supposedly the new '15 tahoes have more room in the 2nd row. with my ram crew cab i can have my seat where i need it and the rear facing seat didnt even touch the back of it.

 

How old/weight does a child need to be in order to sit up front? If I went with a truck, my oldest would have to sit in front. I would look into a Ram or Tundra crew cab if I go that way. I never had a truck, don't know much about the ride/height ect. My wife says we should only have one car that can carry everyone and the other a 5 passager because I tend to pick up the kids at the inlaws when she's at work!!

 

In Texas:

Rear facing from birth to 2 years and 35 lbs

Front facing until 4 years and 40 lbs

Booster seat until child fits properly with adult lap/shoulder belt

13 and under must ride in back seat if one is available

 

Im in MN and its pretty much the same way.

To me the Ram was the best decision (it lowered my payments by $100/mo, more options (heated seats with cloth, nav, heated steering wheel). you can usually get a $45k ram for mid 30's. (mine stickered at 43k i paid just shy of 30k) ofcourse i have the crew cab (the quad is way too small). with the front seat all the way back i still have 6-8" infront of my knees before they hit the seat. you can get a ram with the middle seat up front also.

 

I came from a loaded 12' Ram. Awesome truck but.....sucks when you need storage outside of the weather. Even with a bed cover it's a PITA. RT is way easier to drive and park plus has ACC for those long hauls.I'm 6.2 as well and had no issues with rear facing baby seat behind me in the D. May be certain style or whatever. Truck is only 5 pass so I think the OP needs an 6-7 pass SUV.

 

You will spend at least 15k more to get a Tahoe or expedition with the same features as the loaded R/T, and the R/T is fun to drive. I would have done a Ram but want to be able to sit 5-7 when needed with luggage. If you have overflow just add a removable trailer hitch platform for less than $100.

http://ecustomhitch.com/i-8939365-pr...FWwV7AodpnEAYQ