<h1>2018 Dodge Durango R/T V-8 Long-Term Arrival</h1>

4 min read
30 September 2022

One year with Dodge's eight-cylinder three-row SUV


In 2014, William Pedestrian welcomed a Granite Gray 2017 Durango GT to our long-lasting fleet, just to have it taken two months after its arrival-- lock, stock, crucial fob, as well as 25 huge well worth of photo gear in the back-- from a Los Angeles-area dining establishment's valet great deal. It's probably been transporting Russian mobsters around Kamchatka given that soon thereafter because it was never ever recuperated. For a warm min we thought about silently replacing it with a doppelganger as well as continuing, yet the '18 designs were simply being revealed, as well as we couldn't stand up to upgrading to an R/T version with the amazing brand-new SRT nose. And also due to the fact that Dodges are much less rare and unique in the brand's home town (and also thus hopefully much less of an eye-catching nuisance than they evidently remain in L.A. ), the substitute vehicle has actually been handed over to our Detroit workplace for safekeeping.

<h1>2018 Dodge Durango R/T V-8 Long-Term Arrival</h1>
Updating from a GT V-6 to an R/T V-8 includes $5,900. Number the engine deserves $3,995 of that (that's the alternative cost on Citadel trim degrees), with the extra 2 grand purchasing the previously mentioned angry SRT bodywork (vented hood, power outage grille, sport front fascia), a decreased sporting activity suspension with load-leveling, fancier illumination, rain-sensing wipers, auto parking sensing units, Radar Red Nappa sport leather seating (with eight-way power in front), as well as the big-screen infotainment setup. Our snowbelt location demanded one more ($2,600) "Durango 4" upgrade. An MP 3023 transfer case delivers on-demand variable torque-split all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and also a neutral setup (keep in mind flat-tow RVers!). To this already high degree of basic tools we just included a tech bundle (flexible cruise with collision as well as blind-spot as well as lane separation cautions for $2,495), the trailering team ($995), murdered-out black wheels and mirrors ($695), as well as a cargo bundle of roof covering rails, cross bars, and a freight cover ($395). At $51,970 out the door, it's $9,195 spiffier than our 2017 GT.

Having put our order in just as 2018-model manufacturing began, our White Knuckle appeal was built on August 17 and delivered to us on September 22. As any excellent new owner should, we consulted the owners' hand-operated burglary demands, which were rather easy: "Drive moderately throughout the very first 300 miles," and "while cruising, short full-throttle velocity within the limits of neighborhood traffic regulations contributes to a good burglary." Can do! Two trips to my lakeside cabin-restoration task had our Durango fully ready for activity. On those treks we made plentiful use of the 47.7 cubic feet of freight room behind the center row of seats to carry tools and also materials, but the 43-inch-wide back deck will preclude us from utilizing it for drywall or paneling delivery.

Until now we are still grooving on our vehicle's poor boy looks, the Hemi's ready grumble, and the sport suspension's ride/handling compromise (sensibly supple on the bumps, respectably level in the curves). To day, our Hemi Durango 4's fuel economic climate is tracking that of our 3.6-liter rear-drive GT noticeably. After a month of service and also concerning 1,800 miles of driving, we're balancing 15.0 mpg. 2014 ram 3500 grill The GT took care of 18.9 mpg over concerning 7,100 miles of driving. It's appealing to wish our R/T's fuel economic situation will certainly enhance as the engine remains to barge in, however the 20 percent drop nearly precisely mirrors the 19 percent distinction in EPA incorporated ratings, so we're not holding our breath.

Our Durango's dance card is currently full of scheduled trips to antebellum Vicksburg, Mississippi, northern Canada, and also various tailgate getaways with the 10 party trailer in tow. We'll report on all its shocks, delights, and also any type of potential weakness. In the meantime, if you're traveling in some sketchy foreign nation and also spot a great Granite Gray Durango GT, send us a photo.
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