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There has been a lot of talk about the 2020 Dodge Durango in the past several months and most reports suggest its redesign in the near future. Once an SUV, the Durango is a crossover these days and shares most of its characteristics with the Grand Cherokee. Two models ride on the same platform and feature same mechanics and engines. However, things could easily change in the feature. For these two decades of production, we have seen three generations. As we already mentioned, the original model was a classic body-on-frame SUV and it looks like the fourth generation could come back to its roots.
There are several reasons to believe in such a scenario, especially if we consider the way the Grand Cherokee will probably go in. Anyway, count on the new generation of Durango in near future, definitely in a year or two.
2020 Dodge Durango Redesign
Redesigns always bring lots of changes. After all, that’s why they are called redesigns. Still, significant changes in terms of base design characteristics aren’t so common phenomenon these days. That is the main reason why the 2020 Dodge Durango attracts so much attention. As you probably know, the original Durango, which was in production between 1997 and 2003 was a real body-on-frame SUV, based on the famous truck Dakota. Once Dakota was discontinued, the Durango became a crossover. After the revival of mid-size truck segment, rumors about Dakota’s comeback appeared as well as about the new 2020 Dodge Durango.
There is another reason why this scenario makes perfect sense. As you know, the current model shares a lot with the Grand Cherokee. Still, the Jeep’s flagship model will soon adopt Giorgio platform from Alfa Romeo and it is really hard to imagine such crossover under Dodge’s badge, especially if we consider that the Durango is much bigger and that the adaption of new platform would cause additional expenses. On the other side, there is a body-on-frame platform that is just waiting to find its place under the new 2020 Dodge Durango.
2020 Dodge Durango Platform
The 2020 Dodge Durango is about to ride on a body-on-frame platform and FCA already has such architecture ready. As you probably know, the famous Jeep Wrangler has been redesigned recently. It received a completely new platform, with significant weight savings and many other improvements. Next year, a Wrangler-based pickup is coming as well, which leads us to the conclusion that the new Dakota will use the same platform, as well as the new Durango.
With such a design approach, the new generation would definitely have more chances for commercial success. The segment of crossover is currently overflowed and Durango definitely doesn’t have big chances. On the other side, many drivers are waiting for a capable SUV that can serve well both off and on the road. Compared to the Wrangler and the upcoming Bronco, the 2020 Dodge Durango would be bigger and far more practical, which makes it a potential new rival of the super-off-road-capable Toyota 4Runner.
2020 Dodge Durango Styling and Interior Design
While the mechanical aspect seems pretty clear, the visual appearance of the new SUV is a bit of a mystery. Dodge hasn’t introduced a new model for years and the current styling philosophy definitely looks outdated. Therefore, we count on a completely new design language. Still, it is hard to predict how will it look like at this point. Many experts believe that the new Dakota will take a lot of inspiration from the redesigned Ram 1500. Without any doubt, Durango would follow this styling approach entirely, which leads us to the conclusion that it won’t be surprised to a very similar face to one that characterizes legendary truck.
On the inside, things will remain similar to the current crossover, at least when it comes to the basic layout. The 2020 Dodge Durango will be a three-row crossover, with capacity for seven passengers. On the other side, the dashboard design is a complete mystery. Once again, we can expect a lot of influence from the new Ram 1500, as well as from the new Wrangler, and both models are characterized by very upscale looking and well-equipped cabins.
2020 Dodge Durango Engine
The current model shares powertrain with the Grand Cherokee. We expect to see similar units in the future as well. Most likely, base models will continue with a familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, though additional power would be welcome.
Optional engines would probably feature eight cylinders, which leads us to a familiar 5.7-liter engine that currently powers R/T version and delivers around 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
We expect a bigger 6.4-liter unit as well. This engine is good for about 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, expect to see a diesel version as well. It will be a familiar 3.0-liter unit that delivers around 260 horses and 440 lb-ft of torque.
2020 Dodge Durango Release Date and Price
The 2020 Dodge Durango will come in about a year or two. In any case, count on a similar price range, which means that base models will go around 30.000 dollars.
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