FAMILIAR VERSATILITY

2012 DODGE DURANGO CITADEL

PRICE/AS-TESTED PRICE................................................ $42,995/$47,235

MILEAGE.......................................... 13 MPG (CITY); 20 MPG (HWY)

ENGINE............................................. 5.7-liter V8 Hemi

HORSEPOWER................................. 360 HP

TRANSMISSION................................. 6-speed automatic

DRIVE WHEELS................ All-wheel drive

The Dodge Durango is quite the chameleon. Versatile, rugged and luxurious, yes, but Chrysler also offers this mid-size SUV in four trims and two, very different engines.

The Durango can, almost, be whatever you want it to be.

My tester was the top-of-the-line all-wheel drive Citadel trim, with the big 5.7-liter V8 Hemi.

But, the Durango is available with Chrysler’s popular Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 too. In addition to the Citadel trim, there are three other levels, the Express, the R/T and the Crew. But, let’s focus on the Citadel I test drove.

This chromed-out truck has a handsome fit and finish. Its stout appearance, which is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, looks well assembled.

Inside, the Durango is a true seven-passenger family vehicle. Creature comforts abound including leather seats, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, power sunroof and rear DVD entertainment system. The second-row can fit three people comfortably, even adults. The third row is more suitable to children.

If you need it to move a lot of people, it is more than capable.

With its big engine and big frame, the Durango can function fine as a weekend warrior, towing or carrying cargo.

The Durango is rated to tow up to 7,400 pounds. With the 60/40 split second row folded, the Durango has cargo space up to 84.5 cubic feet.

Regardless in what capacity its being used, the Durango’s engine is up to the task. The Hemi does make a chugging sound, so engine noise is noticeable, but the six-speed automatic transmission keeps the performance smooth. All passengers will appreciate the smooth ride, which is more station wagon than truck.

The most important feature for any large vehicle is the brakes, and the Durango’s brakes are firm and precise.

With all this performance, sometimes the little things get overlooked. But features like blind-spot and cross-path detectors, collision warning, rear view camera and adaptive cruise control were much appreciated. When it comes to large vehicles, the more safety features, the better. The Durango is one of the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick award winners.

While the Durango can be many things, fuel efficient is not one of them. The V8 version has an EPA estimate of 13 city/20 highway. I averaged barely 15 miles per gallon in a week.

Price points range for the Durango with the V6 3.6-liter Express starting below $30,000. My Citadel tester came in at $47,235 with all the bells and whistles.

The Dodge Durango has evolved through the years. It’s latest incarnation is to become a versatile, game changer in the mid-size SUV market.

Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor