2014 Dodge Durango RT: A Muscle SUV That Still Roars

The Dodge Durango has always been a bit of an enigma. Overshadowed by more popular SUVs and sometimes criticized for its truck-like roots, it often flies under the radar. Frankly, even as an auto repair expert, I initially underestimated the 2014 Dodge Durango Rt. Coming from a lineage that, in my opinion, had some styling missteps in previous generations, and still mourning the loss of the Dakota pickup, my expectations were tempered.

Slipping into the driver’s seat of the 2014 Durango R/T, my initial impression wasn’t overwhelmingly positive. Some of the interior materials felt a bit underwhelming, reminiscent of something you might find in a budget-friendly toy rather than a performance SUV. The window sill, in particular, had a texture that eerily resembled a disposable cooler. And the absence of a traditional gear shifter initially felt odd, leaving my right hand searching for a familiar resting place.

However, those initial reservations began to fade as I took in the rest of the cabin. The seats were surprisingly comfortable, offering a supportive embrace. The headliner, defying my low expectations, had a quality feel that almost made me forget the missing sunroof. Small details, but they hinted at a vehicle that might offer more than initially meets the eye.

Starting the engine was a pleasant surprise. The digital instrument cluster sprang to life with playful Dodge animations, smoothly transitioning into a customizable display. The infotainment interface, equally modern and intuitive, proved easy to navigate. Even the unconventional rotary shifter, initially alien, quickly became second nature.

But the real revelation came when I pressed the accelerator. Yeeeah, the exhaust note. It was a glorious, raspy bark – assertive yet refined, subdued at lower RPMs and building to a thrilling crescendo as the revs climbed. After battling through frustrating city traffic, the Durango R/T was a welcome antidote. Finally hitting open road and using the paddle shifters to dance through the eight-speed transmission while listening to the engine’s invigorating growl brought a genuine smile back to my face. This wasn’t just another SUV; this was something with a pulse.

Image alt text: Menacing front grille and headlights of a red 2014 Dodge Durango RT, emphasizing its aggressive styling.

Driving Dynamics of the 2014 Durango RT: More Than Just a Family Hauler

The 2014 Dodge Durango RT offers a driving experience that defies typical SUV expectations. It’s a blend of practicality and performance that makes it genuinely engaging behind the wheel.

Exhaust Note Perfection: The exhaust is masterfully tuned. It’s loud enough to be genuinely enjoyable, providing that V8 rumble that enthusiasts crave, but remains subtle enough for daily driving without attracting unwanted attention. Unless, of course, you intentionally provoke it with a heavy foot – and trust me, you’ll want to.
Dodge’s Design Language at its Best: The Durango arguably showcases Dodge’s signature front fascia better than any other vehicle in their lineup. It works on the Dart, it’s acceptable on the Charger, but on the Durango, it’s truly in its element. It lends the SUV a powerful and assertive presence.
Forgivable Interior Flaws: While the interior material choices are, admittedly, a weak point, the overall ergonomics are excellent. The layout is intuitive, controls are readily accessible, and the comfortable seating positions quickly overshadow the less-than-premium plastics.
Gimmicks Done Right: Dodge has a knack for incorporating playful, almost gimmicky features, and in the Durango RT, they enhance the experience. These aren’t just novelties; they add character and fun to the vehicle.
Muscle Car Spirit in an SUV Body: This Durango R/T feels like a muscle car. Not in outright speed, perhaps, but in spirit. With the windows down, the burbling V8 soundtrack filling the cabin, and the responsive throttle, you get that visceral muscle car sensation in a practical SUV package.

Image alt text: Muscular side view of a silver 2014 Dodge Durango RT showing its athletic SUV proportions.

Exterior Styling: From Menacing to Muscular

The exterior design of the 2014 Dodge Durango RT is a study in contrasts, evolving as you move around the vehicle.

The Aggressive Front End: Approaching the Durango RT from the front is like facing down a snarling predator. The aggressive grille and headlight design create an intimidating presence. It’s a face that says, “Get out of my way,” projecting power and dominance.
Transition to Composure: Moving along the flanks, the aggressive energy subtly transforms into a more composed and refined aesthetic. A strong character line along the side profile hints at underlying muscle, but the overall impression becomes more sophisticated, acknowledging its family-hauling duties.
Muscular Rear Haunches: As your eye reaches the rear quarter panel, the design language shifts again. Aggressive rear haunches blend smoothly into the SUV’s musculature, suggesting latent power and hinting at the performance capabilities lurking beneath the surface.
Iconic Dodge Grille: The Durango truly embodies Dodge’s signature crosshair grille. It’s bold, instantly recognizable, and perfectly suited to the SUV’s robust character.
Modern Taillight Design: The full-width LED taillight design, initially perhaps a bit unconventional, ultimately works exceptionally well. Instead of illuminating the entire cluster, Dodge opted for thin accent bars, a smart decision that modernizes the classic muscle car-inspired taillight aesthetic.

Interior and Technology: Ergonomics Meet Quirky Charm

Inside the 2014 Dodge Durango RT, functionality and user-friendliness take center stage, even if some material choices fall short of premium expectations.

Ergonomic Excellence: The Durango’s interior is remarkably ergonomic. Frequently used controls are physical buttons, logically placed and easy to reach. For less critical functions, Chrysler’s Uconnect system steps in, offering a visually appealing and intuitive interface.
Uconnect Infotainment: The Uconnect system is a highlight. It’s user-friendly, responsive, and even features Durango illustrations within the menus, a playful touch that adds to the vehicle’s character.
Playful Lighting: Blue Tron-style accent lighting is liberally used throughout the cabin. While perhaps a touch cheesy for some, it injects a sense of fun and youthful energy into the interior ambiance.
Material Shortcomings: There’s no sugarcoating it; some of the interior materials are subpar. The dashboard and upper door sills, as mentioned earlier, feel budget-oriented. The center console, too, has a plasticky feel that doesn’t quite align with the R/T’s performance aspirations.
Tactilely Pleasing Touchpoints: Despite the material shortcomings in some areas, Dodge prioritized the parts you interact with most. The steering wheel, paddle shifters, door handles, seats, buttons, headliner, and rear seat controls all feel genuinely nice to the touch, enhancing the overall driving and passenger experience.
Clever Rear Console Design: The low-profile rear center console is a smart design element. It provides convenient between-seat storage and cupholders for second-row passengers without compromising access to the third row.

Image alt text: Dashboard and Uconnect infotainment system of a 2014 Dodge Durango RT interior, showcasing user-friendly design.

Audio, Infotainment, and Gadgets: A Mixed Bag

The technology within the 2014 Dodge Durango RT is a mixed bag, with some features shining while others leave room for improvement.

Underwhelming Audio Quality: Despite a substantial Alpine amplifier, the sound quality from the stereo system is surprisingly lackluster. Adjusting the equalizer settings yielded only marginal improvements, failing to deliver a truly satisfying audio experience.
Uconnect Strengths: The Uconnect infotainment software, as previously noted, is a strong point. Its ease of use and attractive interface are commendable. The customizable digital gauge cluster is another positive, although there’s potential for even greater personalization and adjustability.
Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto High Beams: The adaptive cruise control functions as expected, maintaining a safe following distance. The automatic high beam dimming is a thoughtful convenience feature for nighttime driving, enhancing safety and courtesy.
Aftermarket-Looking RCA Inputs: The inclusion of RCA inputs on the side of the seats feels somewhat out of place, giving off an aftermarket vibe that detracts slightly from the otherwise integrated technology.
Limited OEM Power Inverter: The OEM power inverter’s output is insufficient to power demanding devices like an Xbox 360 during gameplay. This limits its practical use to lower-power devices like portable DVD players.

Engine and Performance: V8 Roar and Respectable MPG

The heart of the 2014 Dodge Durango RT is its potent V8 engine, delivering a compelling blend of performance and surprising fuel efficiency.

Invigorating V8 Soundtrack: The engine’s soundtrack is undeniably addictive. It’s difficult to resist the urge to open the windows and revel in the V8 rumble, even during mundane drives.
Respectable Fuel Economy: While not explicitly designed for hypermiling, the Durango RT achieves surprisingly decent fuel economy for its class. Despite enthusiastic driving, achieving mid-18 mpg in combined driving conditions is attainable, exceeding the EPA’s combined rating of 16 mpg. Highway figures can reach up to 22 mpg.
Responsive Power Delivery: The V8 engine delivers ample power, readily pushing you back into your seat when you demand acceleration. It encourages spirited driving and makes the Durango RT feel genuinely quick for its size.

Gearbox, Transfer Case, and Braking: Performance-Oriented Components

The drivetrain and braking systems of the 2014 Dodge Durango RT are engineered to complement its performance character.

Responsive Eight-Speed Transmission with Paddle Shifters: The eight-speed automatic transmission is impressively responsive, especially when using the paddle shifters. Gear changes are quick and decisive, enhancing driver engagement. The paddle shifters themselves have a satisfying tactile feel.
Rotary Shifter and Storage Benefits: The rotary gear selector is smooth and intuitive to operate. Its space-saving design frees up valuable storage space in the center console, a practical benefit. The only minor drawback is the lack of a traditional shifter as a right-hand rest.
Electronically Activated Low Range AWD: AWD-equipped Durango RT models include a low range gear, electronically activated for off-road situations. While the reduction isn’t dramatically low, it adds a degree of capability for challenging conditions.
Adequate Braking Power: Large disc brakes provide consistently strong stopping power, even in wet or loose road conditions. The braking system is well-matched to the engine’s performance, effectively counteracting the urge to drive enthusiastically.

Ride, Handling, and Utility: Balancing Comfort and Capability

The 2014 Dodge Durango RT strikes a commendable balance between ride comfort, handling prowess, and practical utility.

Comfortable and Engaging Ride: The Durango RT offers a surprisingly comfortable ride for daily driving, absorbing road imperfections effectively. Simultaneously, it provides enough responsiveness for confident emergency maneuvers.
Handling Limits and Weight Awareness: While surprisingly agile for its size, the Durango RT’s weight becomes apparent at its handling limits. Entering corners too aggressively can induce noticeable body roll and potential rear-end instability. However, once you understand its weight distribution and handling characteristics, it remains composed and planted.
Generous Towing and Cargo Capacity: With a substantial 7,200-pound towing capacity, the Durango RT can easily handle boats or trailers. The third-row seats fold flat, expanding cargo space while still offering reasonable room behind the third row when upright.
Thoughtful Cargo Area Features: A standout feature is the secondary set of cargo cover mounting points, allowing for concealed cargo even with the third-row seats folded. The inclusion of a small flashlight in the cargo compartment is a practical and appreciated detail.
Comfortable Seating for Passengers: The second-row captain’s chairs are comfortable and spacious. The third-row seats, while firmer, offer more legroom than typically found in third-row SUV seating.

Off-Road and Maneuverability: City Slicker with a Hint of Ruggedness

The 2014 Dodge Durango RT is primarily designed for on-road performance, but it retains a degree of capability and maneuverability.

Parking Sensors and Maneuvering: Parking sensors make maneuvering the large Durango RT relatively easy in urban environments. However, the steering is on the heavier side, which can become tiring during prolonged low-speed driving.
Limited Off-Road Pretense: The Durango RT isn’t intended for serious off-roading. However, with appropriate tires, its AWD system and ground clearance suggest it could handle light off-road trails and muddy conditions.

Value Proposition: Performance SUV Without the Premium Price Tag

The 2014 Dodge Durango RT presents a compelling value proposition in the performance SUV segment.

Accessible Performance SUV: A well-equipped Durango R/T can be configured for around $40,000, positioning it significantly below premium performance SUVs like the Grand Cherokee SRT, BMW X5 M, Mercedes-AMG SUVs, or Range Rover Sport Supercharged.
Performance and Practicality Balance: The Durango RT offers a compelling blend of V8 performance, SUV practicality, and a more attainable price point than its luxury competitors, making it a smart choice for those seeking a sporty SUV without exorbitant costs.

Verdict: Truck Yeah! For the 2014 Dodge Durango RT

Truck Yeah! If you’re drawn to the idea of high-performance SUVs but are deterred by their high running costs, ostentatious image, or winter tire limitations, the 2014 Dodge Durango RT is an excellent alternative. Its blend of V8 power, family-friendly practicality, and relatively reasonable fuel economy makes it surprisingly appealing, even to those who might typically shy away from V8s. Just remember to keep the revs low during the initial test drive to avoid overwhelming any V8-averse passengers! Ron Burgundy might have had his doubts, but for those seeking a muscle SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the 2014 Dodge Durango RT delivers.

Image alt text: Rear taillight design of a black 2014 Dodge Durango RT, emphasizing the full-width LED light bar.