Considering the highly competitive nature of the mid-size sport-utility market, it’s amazing that the Dodge Durango soldiered on for as long as it did.  The Durango has survived since its introduction in the mid-1990s with only detail changes thanks to its intermediate sizing and V8 power.

The aging Durango is completely revamped for 2004, and it’s a good time to take notice, because Dodge is applying the same boundary-breaking program to its smaller trucks as it did on the full-size, big-rig-styled Ram pickup.  The ’04 Durango is bolder, more powerful, and a lot bigger than its mid-size ranking would have you think.  The new truck is surprisingly close in size to the full-size SUVs from Chevrolet and Ford, and it’s refined without sacrificing Dodge’s noted ruggedness.

The new design is heavily influenced by the Ram.  There’s a bit of a retro touch to it too, thanks to the aggressive fender flares and separate hood which recall the Dodge Power Wagons of yore.  The stacked round taillamps are reminiscent of the Jeep Liberty, but Dodge’s design folks didn’t like having this pointed out.  The Durango is tall and wide—over half a foot longer and three inches wider than the old Durango, to be specific.  The Durango looks tall and narrow, and the short overhangs front and rear improve off-road handling as well as making this truck easier to pilot around town.

Just as impressive as the new exterior is the new interior.  The radically sloped windshield and slick, Euro-inspired control stack are what you’d expect in a nice sedan, not a truck.  It’s a far cry from the cheap plastic of the previous Durango.  In addition to the nicely modernized dash, Durango offers three-row seating with more room for passengers in the back.  Designers added headroom, leg room and hip room, and the second row seats flip and fold easily.  Interestingly, we found the cloth seats in the base models to be more comfortable than the leather in the more expensive Durangos.  Rear-seat climate controls, thumping subwoofer-equipped sound systems, Sirius satellite radio and a DVD entertainment system are also available.  In some configurations the interior is more spacious than that of some full-size SUVs.  Knock all of the seats flat and the new Durango will carry 102.4 cubic feet of cargo.  The cargo floor is wide and flat enough for the Durango to carry a 48″ sheet of plywood.

V8 power has always been one of the Durango’s selling points.  For 2004, the new 5.7 liter HEMI engine is offered in this SUV for the first time.  Borrowed from the Ram, the HEMI puts out 330 horsepower, and this grunt raises the Durango’s towing capacity to a pickup-truck-humbling 8950 pounds.  It’s an 85-horse boost over the 5.9 V8 that was previously the big gun in the Durango lineup.  Our test truck was a Hemi, of course, and it had more than enough grunt to move out with authority.  Dodge also offers the Durango in 3.7 liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8 flavors.  The V6 is a powerful 210-horse unit, and is the standard engine on two-wheel drive Durangos.  It’s the first time a V6 has been offered in Dodge’s mid-size SUV, actually.  The 230-hp 4.7 V8 is a carryover from last year.  Dodge says that fuel economy has been improved in both V8s as well.  All Durangos are offered with a five-speed automatic transmission.  For the truck folks, the available four-wheel drive system is equipped for off-roading, with a low range.  Also of note is a larger, 27-gallon gas tank, which increases the V6-equipped Durango’s range to 400 miles or so.

Like those of the toughest trucks, the new Durango’s frame is a hydroformed unit, with strong, water-pressure construction.  The front frame rails are a patented octagonal design that provides excellent impact absorption in spite of the Durango’s short nose.  They’re also replaceable to facilitate quick repairs should the worst happen.  The Durango rides on a separate frame and has carlike rack and pinion steering.  Traction control and full-time four-wheel drive are available.  There’s a solid axle in the back, but Dodge uses a Watt linkage system to reduce axle hop and skate, and coil springs smooth the ride out.  Healthy skid plates are included for off-pavement adventures.  On the safety front, anti-lock brakes are standard equipment and side-curtain airbags are available.

The new Durango is available in three trim levels:  ST, SLT and Limited, with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive across the board.  Pricing starts at  $26,565 for a two-wheel drive ST, and climbs up to over $35,000 for a well-equipped Limited.  Our test truck was an SLT model, which was nicely equipped for a bit under $32,000.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 Dodge Durango SLT, which we tested.
Length:         200.8 in.
Width:            76.0 in.
Height:            74.3 in.
Wheelbase:        119.2 in.
Curb weight:        5076 lb.
Cargo space:        20.1 cu.ft. (all seats up); 102.4 cu.ft. (all seats folded)
Towing capacity:    8700 lb. (4×4)
Base price:        $31,590
Engine:         5.7 liter OHV Hemi V8
Drivetrain:         five-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         335 @ 5400
Torque:         370 @ 4200
Fuel capacity:        27 gal.
Est. mileage:        14/19 (est.)