Swift Jeep Chrysler Dodge

"First Place: Dodge Durango Limited
The winner of our big-'ute comparo surprised us. Going in, we figured we'd like the power of its newly optional Hemi V-8 engine. And we were sure the Durango's not-quite-full-size status would make it just a little more pleasant than its competitors to navigate the galaxy. Lingering doubts, however, remained about its build quality and noise, vibration, and harshness levels, based on our experience with the previous-generation (1998-2003) version. And that new look, which took the previous Durango's athletic stand-alone front fenders and bold cross-hair grille through a "Queer Eye for the Ram Guy" process, had us squinting. But as the behind-the-wheel time added up, and the new Durango's dynamics and aesthetics emerged, it all started to come together.

The Durango isn't just Dodge's newest sport/utility vehicle, it's Dodge's only sport/utility vehicle. While competitors such as Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet each offer five different SUVs, Nissan, GMC, and Mitsubishi field four and Honda, Jeep, Isuzu, Lexus, and Land Rover have three, Dodge soldiers on with one. With the 2004 redesign, the Dodge has crept up a few notches in size, gaining seven inches in length, three inches width and height, and roughly 250 pounds in curb weight. More important, it's gained 15 percent more cargo capacity and, thanks to the availability of the 335-horse 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 for the first time, top-notch towing ability. Courtesy of a low hoodline and fast windshield, the Durango looks smaller than the other full-size SUVs in this test.

Don't be fooled. The wheelbase of Dodge's SUV now spans a greater distance than the Ford Expedition's. The new Durango is a few inches longer and a couple dozen pounds heavier than the Chevy Tahoe. Third-seat leg- and headroom best that of the Armada, Tahoe, and Sequoia. Where the previous Durango shared a lot of its parts with the Dakota pickup truck, the latest version has moved to a stand-alone platform. There's a new Watt's Link coil-spring suspension for the live rear axle. Huge four-wheel disc brakes with trashcan-lid-size rotors come via the Ram pickup....

Our staff closed ranks when it came to the interior. From the new electroluminescent gauges to the metallic-look center stack, Venetian-blind-like positive closing dash vents, and rich leather seat trim, there is plenty to like. And here's a switch. The new Dodge impressed many of our editors with its fit and finish. Better yet, instrumented testing confirmed what our ears were telling our doubting minds--the Durango tied with the Sequoia for the quietest cabin.

Where the Dodge put away the competition for good, however, was on the highway. Even though the Durango didn't especially distinguish itself at the track, it morphed from battlestar into Millennium Falcon on long Interstates, twisty two-laners, and suburban boulevards alike...

A perfect storm of generous power, delightful ride quality, and precise handling combined to make the Durango a favorite over-the-road loafer-holder for editorial hot-shoes. A full-throttle matchup of our acceleration champ, the Armada, and Durango at 70 mph was no contest--the Dodge simply engaged warp drive and walked away from the Nissan. "By far, the best dynamically," says one editor. "The steering is agile and the ride quality is delightful--absorbent without any float," says another.

All said and done, the Durango had the stuff, inside, out, and under the hood, to carry itself among this large and ultra-competitive gang of sport/utilities. So the next time you're cruising in your Durango for Moon Pies, we'll understand if you just keep your foot in it right past Stuckey's. Nobody knows what's in those things anyway."