As the mid-sized sport-utes from Ford and Chevrolet drift farther away from the small pickup trucks that originally spawned them and provided their underpinnings, one truck remains boldly loyal to its pickup counterpart.  The Dodge Durango’s long nose is shared with the Dakota pickup truck, and the relationship doesn’t end there.  While the others are playing up their carlike attributes, the Durango remains first and foremost a truck.

For 2002, Dodge is boosting the Durango’s value with an entry-level SXT package.  Similar to the EX package available on the Caravan, the Durango SXT makes several popular options standard equipment, and adds a low base price to the mix.  A CD player, bucket seats, 16″ wheels and a roof rack are all standard equipment on the SXT, whose base price is under $25,000.  Considering the Durango’s size and workhorse abilities, it looks like quite a good deal indeed.

The Dakota is a mid-sized pickup truck, so the Durango didn’t need to be upsized to be suitable for families.  The shared sheetmetal gives the Dodge a long-nosed look compared to other SUVs, and a bold Dodge crosshair grille rides up front.  The SXT features aggressive fender flares that emphasize 16″ wheels.  Running boards are also available.  From the rear, the Durango is somewhat more subdued, with a rounded tail that seems almost cut off compared to the generous hood up front.

The Durango’s biggest shortcoming is its interior, which is unfortunately also similar to that of the Dakota.  In a word, it’s archaic.  The flat, grainy plastic surfaces and black switchgear are a page from the mid-1990s Dodge stylebook, and that’s not necessarily a good thing.  The seats are lower than is comfortable for some taller drivers.  Controls are laid out in a straightforward way, but a new Durango looks a bit too much like a used truck inside.  On the plus side, side-curtain airbags are available.  As mentioned before, the SXT model makes a CD player standard equipment, and a DVD system is available to keep back-seat passengers entertained as well.  Rear-seat space is decent thanks to theater seating, which incorporates a raised roof to improve headroom for passengers, and a third-row seat is optional on the SXT.  Dual-zone climate control and rear seat climate controls are family-friendly, minivan-like features.

With Dodge’s emphasis on “Ram-tough” trucks, the Durango is of course only available with a choice of V8 engines.  Standard equipment is a 235-horsepower 4.7 liter unit.  Stepping up to the 5.9 liter V8 requires a move into an SLT model, and improves the power by ten horses.  It drops fuel economy into the basement, too.  Both engines are adequate to haul the Durango’s two-ton bulk.  A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.  Dodge’s five-speed automatic has a dual-range second gear, which improves smoothness when towing or passing.  The Durango SXT can tow up to 7,550 pounds.  The power-hungry can opt for the Durango R/T, which features the big motor, a performance rear axle ratio, a limited-slip rear end, and a growly exhaust note.

Just like a pickup, the Durango is mounted on a ladder-type frame.  An independent front suspension and a solid axle in the rear are also pointers to this SUV’s pickup-truck heritage.  The ride isn’t as bad as that suggests, however, as the Dakota pickup is a rather nice-riding truck in its own right.  The Durango’s rear leaf springs have been reshaped to take some of the harshness and tendency to hop out of the rear end.

Although the SXT is the value-model Durango, it can be optioned up just like the luxury models.  Optional equipment includes anti-lock brakes, side airbags, fog lamps and running boards, and an upgraded sound system.  A Class IV trailer hitch is also available.  On top of all that, a host of dealer-installed accessories are also available.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2002 Dodge Durango SXT.
Length:     193.5 in.
Width:        71.3 in.
Height:        70.5 in. (2wd)
Wheelbase:    116 in.
Curb weight:    4379- lb.
Cargo space:    88.0 cu.ft  (all seats folded)
Towing capacity:    7550 lb.
Engine:     4.7 liter SOHC V8
Drivetrain:     five-speed automatic, rear- or four-wheel drive
Horsepower:     235 @ 4800
Torque:     295 @ 3200
Fuel capacity:    25 gal.
Est. mileage:    14/19