With big changes possibly ahead for the 2014 model year, no changes have been planned by the engineers at Dodge for the 2013 Durango, which was last overhauled with the launch of the third-generation Durango for the 2011 model year.

The 7-passenger 2013 Dodge Durango can be had as either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) and is available in four trim levels: SXT, Crew, Citadel and R/T. The SXT, Crew and Citadel trims all come equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powertrain that achieves 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The R/T trims are powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft or torque. The Hemi V8 is matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Durango Crew, Citadel and R/T trims are able to haul a best-in-class 7,400 pounds, while the SXT trims can haul up to 6,200 pounds. According to the EPA, the SXT, Crew and Citadel trims are estimated to achieve 12 mpg city/18 highway, while the R/T trims are estimated to get 14/20.

The SXT trims of the 2013 Dodge Durango come standard with a tri-zone temperature control system, cloth seats, automatic headlights, fog lights, AM/FM radio with a single-disc CD player and 18-inch aluminum wheels. For those buyers choosing the Crew trims, they will also receive a 10-speaker Alpine premium audio system and 6.5-inch touchscreen display, remote keyless entry, remote start, a rear backup camera and rear park assist system as standard equipment.

Upgrading to the Citadel trims also adds Nappa leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, perforated heated leather steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning system, a blind-spot monitoring system, power sunroof, hard-drive navigation system, HID headlights and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels as standard equipment. In addition to a more powerful engine, R/T buyers also get a sport suspension, HID headlights and 20-inch satin carbon painted aluminum wheels.

Numerous safety and security features come as standard equipment on the 2013 Dodge Durango. These include an advanced multistage airbag system: dual front-impact airbags, three-row side-impact airbags and dual overhead airbags. Other standard safety and security features include a 4-wheel antilock braking system, electronic stability control, trailer sway control and an ignition disable device. Blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-path monitoring system are available options.

Industry sources have gone on record as stating that big changes are ahead for the Dodge Durango in the 2014 model year. Chief among these is the likely introduction of an 8-speed automatic transmission, which will be expected to dramatically increase the Durango’s fuel efficiency numbers. In the meantime, the current version of the Durango seems poised to hold up well against its competition in the affordable midsize SUV market, which includes the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9.