The Citadel fits into that great full-size sports utility vehicle classification. It is built to accommodate seven passengers without ever compromising space.
The test vehicle had a deep cherry red, crystal pearl coat exterior paint, while inside black luxury trimmed bucket seats beckoned you to enter for a drive.
The Durango comes in five trims with Citadel being the top of the line, selling for just over $40,000. The SXT is the introductory level, however I’m told the Durango Crew is the leader in sales.
The Citadel was equipped with a 3.6-liter 295 hp Pentastar(TM) V-6 24-valve engine that delivers 16/23 mpg in city and highway respectively. The 5-speed transmission is strong, which helps the approximately 6,200 lbs of towing capability. A full tank takes you more than 550 miles, for a ride that is quiet and smooth, while always providing a keynote performance.
I am sure you have heard of people losing their hearts in San Francisco. Well I lost my Durango in Dallas.
On Monday my wife announced she had a three-day workshop in Houston and needed to take the Durango as her vehicle was just too small. My heated objection lasted for about 30 seconds before I capitulated. But if I would go with her she would let me drive the Durango “a little bit.”
I loaded her four suit cases, cosmetic case, 2 pillows, business valise, water cooler for her Ozarka water, briefcase, and my half filled Wal-Mart plastic bag, and we were off.
The drive down to Houston was uneventful. I got to listen to classical music on Sirius XM satellite radio and the Oprah Winfrey Show. My wife wasn’t much interested in college basketball or an afternoon Maverick game.
She talked to her sister using the Bluetooth feature and chatted about grandkids, dieting, and what she was going to wear that evening. At least she turned Oprah down during the conversation. I asked if I could listen to something else. She just raised an eyebrow and shushed me to be quiet. The GPS Navigation had been set up, so getting lost in Houston was not an issue.
While driving, she got to point out the Blind Spot Monitoring System and explain the Adaptive Cruise Controls which automatically adjust cruising speed to maintain a preset distance between your vehicle and the car ahead.
Finally, I faked a headache, moved the seat back, placed it in one of the four lumbar positions and passed into a fitful sleep. I do recall hearing a conversation, but don’t remember if it was conversational opera or a discussion on the Oprah Network about how to make your man happy.
I spent three days sequestered in our room. The hotel was swarming with thousands of women. I only left the room for feed and to see my shadow.
The drive back home was challenging. I had injured my back loading her luggage ensemble and clothing accouterments and wasn’t in a good mood. We stopped at a truck stop to get her favorite Blue Bell Ice Cream. She asked me if I wanted something. I cheerfully answered beef jerky, pork rinds, cinnamon roll, and a Dr. Pepper. As she disappeared into the station, I turned the radio station to music of the 50s and listened to a little of “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog.”
There were other folks milling around, so I got out and told them about my Durango. Yes, the Durango was an eye-catcher so there were numerous questions, comments, and flattering remarks. I pointed out the sun roof, power lift gate, and perfectly placed fog lamps.
The Durango sat there like a stallion. The sculpted body and athleticism highlighted the crosshair grille that projected an attitude. The 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and bright exhaust tips provided a perfect base.
When my wife came back, looking sternly at the spectators, they dispersed like rappers at a square dance festival. She changed the station back to Oprah, gave me some mineral water and an apple, saying with elfin laughter in her voice how proud she was of me for eating so healthy. Then we headed back, but not before she pointed out how clearly the back-up rear camera operated and the Cross Path Detector feature worked.
By now I had a real headache. So I decided to take a nap. The ride on the passenger’s side was smooth, but I woke momentarily to notice a little rain on the window; but Rain Sensitive Wipers responded before I could speak.
With a Bach melody humming in the background and Oprah recommending ways to not look fat in a new dress, I fell into dreamland with apple pieces wedged between my front teeth and my breath capturing the essence of mineral water. My dream was about driving down a broad golden highway in my beautiful Durango. I was alone. And the radio was turned off.
Durhl Caussey writes an auto column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
