Dodge Durango Safety Rating
The Dodge Durango is a popular model in the midsize SUV segment. Despite that, it has been plagued with a few safety issues and Dodge recalls. Despite this, it has not deterred would-be car buyers from considering the Durango, as it has many outstanding features. Let’s examine this model’s safety and crash test rating to help you decide if it’s the best SUV for you.
Dodge Durango Safety Features
Since many Dodge Durango models have been released throughout the years, the actual list of safety features available varies based on the specific model year. But here is an overview of the most standard safety features available.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop is a safety feature available on the Dodge Durango. It automatically adjusts based on your pre-selected distance to ensure adequate braking and full stop, if needed.
Blind Spot Monitoring
It sends visual and audio warnings to alert you when new vehicles enter your blind spot.
Advanced Braking Technology
The Dodge Durango can adapt its braking power to suit your vehicle needs, ensuring safety and security when driving.
Other braking technologies that support your vehicle to ensure safety include Rain Brake Support, Ready-Alert Braking, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Advanced Brake Assist.
Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
The rain-sensing windshield wipers can detect moisture and automatically activate the wipers to keep your windshield clear.
Electronic Stability Control
The Electronic Stability Control feature ensures you have the utmost vehicle control under any driving condition. It tracks your steering input and maintains control in whichever direction you are heading.
Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
This feature measures the Durango’s position within the lane to alert you when you go beyond the lane drift.
Park Sense
This feature delivers a precise parking experience with front and rear parking assistance. It has sensors on the front and rear to alert you if objects are in the vehicle’s path.
Intelligent Collision Sensors
This safety feature equips the vehicle with active braking capability that detects a potential collision ahead. It alerts you when approaching a vehicle too quickly. This feature offers braking assistance, allowing the vehicle to slow down and stop when necessary.
The standard safety and security features, such as airbags, anti-whiplash, pretensioners, and security systems, are available across all Durango models.
Dodge Durango Crash Test Performance
The Dodge Durango has performed well in crash testing from the NHTSA but failed to secure a five-star rating on most safety aspects. In particular, it only earned four stars on driver and passenger safety, front safety, rollover rating, and crash safety. But it did score five stars on the side pole and side barrier rating for the passenger and driver’s seats.
Meanwhile, the IIHS frontal offset crash test rating for Dodge Durango earned good remarks on most safety aspects and features, like the overall side and head protection, driver and passenger torso, driver and passenger pelvis/leg, overall front, structure/safety cage, roof strength, and restraints. However, it only received an acceptable remark for its ease of use and hip/thigh injury protection. The lower leg/foot and structure/safety cage ratings are poor. Its overall evaluation rating is marginal.
Dodge Durango Consistent 4/5 Safety Rating
While numerous Durango models have been released throughout the years, one thing remains consistent: the Dodge Durango safety rating is marked four out of five stars, based on the crash test assessment by the NHTSA. This trend has been fairly consistent over the past few years, which can cause concern for Durango owners and potential buyers.
The Durango did earn a five-star rating in some aspects and safety features, as mentioned above. But the overall rating fails to hit the five-star mark.
Therefore, the four out of five rating leaves room for improvement. Dodge fans hope to see the brand make safety and crash protection a top priority in future models.
As far as safety is concerned, one area that has been notably regarded as lacking is the rollover risk. Due to this, the Durango vehicle is at risk of rolling over in case of an accident. Some potential fixes involve a re-design that lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, greatly improving its risk of rolling over during a collision.
The frontal crash test is another area where the Durango has room for improvement. Again, design changes would address the frontal crash issues during collisions of this nature. All things considered, Durango could become a serious contender in the midsize SUV segment with more safety features and design.
Regardless if Dodge will incorporate those changes, it’s best to increase your level of protection with an extended warranty. It’s for your own safety and that of the vehicle.
