The Durango has been absent from the Chrysler Group line-up since the 2009 model year, but it returns for 2011 as a big car-based crossover SUV with real truck-like towing capabilities. It shares its Mercedes-Benz-based engineering with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
So far, the critics like what they see. The interior, in particular, gets high marks, a big change from the old Durango.
"The Durango is really quite nice and one of the more upscale feeling vehicles in that class," said Erin Ryches of Edmunds.com.
Motor Trend's Jonny Leiberman was also impressed with the Durango's driving performance.
"The Durango kind of blew me away," he said.
Slightly lower to the ground than the Grand Cherokee -- itself an SUV credited with strong performance. Although it's not as off-road capable, the Durango felt better in curves, Leiberman said.
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