7 Reasons Why the 2022 Dodge Durango Interior Will Surprise You (For Better or Worse!)
The 2022 Dodge Durango is more than just a beastly SUV with that all-American muscle car vibe. While it might be famous for its Hemi V8 engine and road-dominating presence there's a whole lot more to explore when it comes to what’s on the inside. You might expect a “meh” interior from an SUV known for its power but what you find inside could make you do a double-take. Today we’ll break down what you’ll love—and what you might just laugh off—about the 2022 Durango interior.
What's New Inside the 2022 Dodge Durango?
The Dodge Durango has been around for quite a while. And over the years it has evolved from a rugged off-roader to a well-rounded SUV with a comfortable cabin. The 2022 model year has some notable updates that make the interior fresher than before. Let's dive into what makes this year’s interior unique and why you may or may not want to live in this cabin every day.
Key Highlights of the Interior
- Revised Center Console: It's more modern now.
- Updated Infotainment System: Featuring Uconnect 5 which is faster and easier to use.
- Premium Materials: Available depending on the trim you pick.
- Optional 10.1-Inch Touchscreen: It's big enough to watch a movie if you're bored.
1. A Touchscreen That'll Make Your Phone Jealous
For the tech-savvy crowd the 2022 Durango comes with an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen that looks like something ripped straight out of a luxury sedan. The base models get the standard 8.4-inch screen (which ain't small either). If you're springing for the bigger screen you’ll notice it’s large enough to almost function as a second TV when the kids have to wait in the parking lot.
Pros:
- Uconnect 5 Interface: Easy to use, intuitive, and has quick response times.
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Both come as standard features.
Cons:
- Potential Fingerprint Magnet: With that big screen be prepared for smudges everywhere.
"Honestly I was blown away by how easy the Uconnect 5 system is to use. It's got that snappiness you want and feels like a premium piece of tech. My only gripe? Fingerprints. Lots and lots of fingerprints." — Alex Collantes
2. Three Rows of Comfort (Or Are They?)
The Durango comfortably seats up to seven passengers with its three-row seating layout. So if you’ve got a big family or just like to roll with your entire crew this SUV has got you covered. Captain’s chairs are available as an option for the second row which is a must-have if you want more comfort and easier access to the third row.
Pros:
- Spacious Cabin: Even the third row is usable (unlike some competitors where you need to be a contortionist).
- Optional Heated & Ventilated Seats: Keep cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.
Cons:
- Limited Cargo Space: With all seats up, cargo space is tight (about 17.2 cubic feet).
- Third Row is Tight for Adults: Great for kids but don't volunteer for that spot if you're a grown-up.
3. New Materials and Finishes: From Luxury to Basic
Depending on the trim level you choose the interior materials can vary from basic cloth to upscale leather. Higher trims like the Citadel or SRT 392 offer premium materials like Nappa leather upholstery that make the interior feel fancy.
Pros:
- Available Premium Finishes: Leather-wrapped surfaces on higher trims elevate the interior.
- Contrasting Stitching: Adds a sporty look and feel.
Cons:
- Basic Trims Feel Basic: The lower-end models might leave you wishing for more finesse.
"I’m not gonna lie—the leather seats in the higher trims felt amazing. You really do get what you pay for. But on the base models? The cloth just doesn’t give you that premium SUV feel." — Alex Collantes
4. Noise Level: It's Surprisingly Quiet
Dodge has done some great work in improving the noise insulation in the 2022 Durango. Whether you're cruising down the highway or sitting in traffic the cabin stays impressively quiet, making conversations easy without yelling over road noise.
Pros:
- Good Soundproofing: Keeps out engine noise and road sounds effectively.
Cons:
- SRT Models Are Loud (On Purpose): While quiet is great for daily driving the performance-oriented SRT versions love to rumble.
5. Interior Storage: Plenty or Not Enough?
The 2022 Durango has your typical array of cubbies cupholders and storage bins which is great for families who seem to always have a ton of "stuff." However if you're expecting clever solutions like hidden compartments or multi-functional storage think again.
Pros:
- Large Center Console Bin: Plenty of space for your phone, wallet, and other essentials.
- Ample Cupholders: Perfect for those large road-trip beverages.
Cons:
- No Hidden Storage Gems: You won’t find fancy storage solutions here; it’s pretty standard.
6. Optional Features: Spoil Yourself (Or Don't)
The 2022 Dodge Durango has a range of optional interior features that can make the cabin feel like a full-on luxury vehicle. Here are some options that you might want to consider:
- Sunroof: Let the light in and make the interior feel more spacious.
- Harman Kardon Premium Audio System: This 19-speaker system sounds like a live concert.
- Rear-Seat Entertainment System: Perfect for the kiddos on long trips.
"I went for the Harman Kardon system and wow it does not disappoint. It's probably one of the best car audio systems I’ve ever heard. Now if only they threw that in as standard..." — Alex Collantes
Cons:
- Pricey Add-ons: You can quickly drive up the cost with these optional features.
7. Style and Aesthetic: A Bit of Muscle with a Hint of Class
The Durango's interior matches its exterior attitude. It's bold rugged and just a little bit fancy depending on how you spec it. With a driver-centric cockpit (hello driver-focused gear shifter) and available contrast stitching it feels like a blend of muscle and luxury—just like the Durango itself.
Pros:
- Driver-Centric Design: Feels sporty and well thought out.
- Customizable Look: From sporty to luxury you can make the interior reflect your personality.
Cons:
- Not Everyone Loves It: Some people might find it too aggressive and "in-your-face" compared to the softer aesthetics of other SUVs.
Trim-Specific Interiors
Durango SXT
The entry-level trim is all about getting you the basics. Expect a lot of cloth seats and minimal tech.
Standard Features:
- Cloth Upholstery
- Uconnect 4 on 8.4-inch screen
- Basic audio system
Durango GT & GT Plus
A step up in terms of luxury. You'll find leather seats and a power liftgate for added convenience.
Features to Note:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Power liftgate
- Available sunroof
Durango Citadel
The Citadel is where things get fancy. With Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats this trim really starts to feel luxurious.
Features:
- Nappa leather-trimmed seats
- Memory settings for driver’s seat
- Standard heated steering wheel
Durango R/T
The R/T is more of a performance-oriented trim and it shows in the interior. Expect sporty leather seats and more attention to driver-focused design.
Features:
- Sport leather seats
- Paddle shifters
- Available wireless charging
Durango SRT 392
This is the performance beast of the lineup. The interior gets a mix of sport and luxury features to match the SRT’s performance pedigree.
Key Features:
- Performance steering wheel
- SRT badges throughout
- Optional Harman Kardon audio system
Conclusion: Is the 2022 Dodge Durango Interior Right for You?
The 2022 Dodge Durango may surprise you when it comes to its interior. While it won’t rival a high-end luxury SUV like a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE it offers a mix of comfort and functionality that's well-suited for families or those who like a bit of sportiness with their SUV. If you opt for the higher trims you'll find premium finishes and tech that make the cabin feel upscale. But if you're going for the base model keep in mind that you might miss out on some of that luxury feel.
If you’re ready to handle the trade-offs—like fingerprints on the touchscreen or less cargo space in a fully packed cabin—the 2022 Durango might just be your perfect match.
"For the price and what you get I'm pretty satisfied with the Durango’s interior. Sure there's a few nitpicks like the occasional plastic panel but all-in-all Dodge has done a solid job of balancing performance comfort and tech." — Alex Collantes
References
- Dodge (official site): https://www.dodge.com/
- Edmunds Review of the 2022 Durango: https://www.edmunds.com/dodge/durango/
- Car and Driver Overview: https://www.caranddriver.com/dodge/durango
Note: Always verify the features and options available on your specific model and trim level when purchasing a 2022 Dodge Durango.