10 Reasons to Buy the 2022 Dodge Durango R/T for Sale Today
If you're on the lookout for a powerful SUV that combines the best of muscle car attitude with family car practicality look no further than the 2022 Dodge Durango R/T. With its beastly V8 engine classic American styling and versatile features this midsize SUV is ready to dominate both the highways and the carpool lanes. In this article we'll explore everything you need to know about buying a 2022 Dodge Durango R/T—from performance specs to interior comforts—while giving you a few chuckles along the way. We'll also throw in some quotes from Dodge enthusiast Alex Collantes to give you an insider's view on what makes the Durango R/T tick. Buckle up this is going to be a fun ride.
Why Buy a 2022 Dodge Durango R/T?
When it comes to finding a used or new 2022 Dodge Durango R/T for sale there are quite a few reasons this vehicle is on car enthusiasts' radar. Let's break it down for you.
Muscle Car DNA in an SUV Body
The 2022 Dodge Durango R/T brings muscle-car performance to a family SUV. It’s got the look the power and the attitude of a sports car. And honestly that's hard to beat when you're trying to merge on the freeway or just want to feel like the coolest person at the grocery store.
- Equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI engine.
- Produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.
- Accelerates from 0-60 mph in just around 6.2 seconds.
Quote from Alex Collantes: "The Durango R/T is that rare unicorn that gives you the satisfaction of a sports car but enough room to throw in all your camping gear or your kid's soccer stuff. If you're gonna drive an SUV why not make it a V8?"
Potential Drawback (Humorous Take)
Let’s face it...with a V8 engine you're not gonna be able to resist the temptation to rev it up at stoplights. Just remember that your wallet might feel the pain at the pump because the Durango R/T's fuel economy hovers around 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. You know because "saving gas" was never on its resume.
Comfortable and Spacious Interior
One of the standout features of the 2022 Dodge Durango R/T is its roomy and well-crafted interior. Whether you're on a long road trip or just shuttling around town you'll find that this SUV offers comfort and convenience.
Interior Highlights
- Seating Capacity: The Durango R/T comes standard with 7-passenger seating but can be optioned for a 6-passenger configuration with captain's chairs.
- Cargo Space: With all the seats in place you get around 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space but fold down the rear seats and that expands to an impressive 85.1 cubic feet.
- Tech Goodies: An 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard but you can also upgrade to a 10.1-inch display.
Alex's Insight: "I've got a family of four and we've taken the Durango on road trips. My kids love the rear-seat entertainment system and my wife and I appreciate the comfortable seats and smooth ride. It’s just a great all-around family car with muscle."
Potential Drawback (Humorous Take)
If you’re looking for a vehicle with minimalist European styling you might want to look elsewhere. The Dodge Durango R/T's interior is bold and brash—lots of leather chunky buttons and a sporty feel. Let’s just say it’s not what you'd call "understated." You won't get complaints from the kids but your design-snob friend who drives a Tesla might have a thing or two to say.
On-Road Performance: A Joy to Drive
This is where the Durango R/T truly shines. With performance-focused upgrades like sport-tuned steering and a throaty exhaust note this SUV feels more like a muscle car than anything else in its class.
Driving Experience
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available for those who need extra traction in inclement weather.
- Tow Up to 8700 lbs: Yep you heard that right. The 2022 Durango R/T is perfect for towing boats trailers and more.
- Sport Mode: Switch it on for a sharper throttle response and firmer steering.
Handling and Suspension
Unlike some SUVs that feel floaty and disconnected the Durango R/T has a solid planted feel thanks to its performance suspension. It may not corner like a BMW X5 but it offers a more engaging drive than most family-oriented crossovers out there.
Alex on Driving the R/T: "When you hit the gas pedal it responds. You can actually feel the torque and hear that V8 roar—it’s just satisfying. And with the AWD you can have fun on curvy roads or stay stable in the rain. It’s one of those cars that makes even a boring drive a little more exciting."
Potential Drawback (Humorous Take)
Be prepared for the "attention." Yeah, we know you might love the sound of that growling exhaust, but your neighbors might not share your enthusiasm—especially at 7 AM when you're heading to work. Hey they should have invested in noise-canceling headphones.
Safety and Reliability
The 2022 Dodge Durango R/T is equipped with a range of safety features designed to keep you and your passengers protected. The standard safety package includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
NHTSA Ratings and Reliability
- 4-Star Overall Rating: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2022 Durango a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating.
- Reliability: Dodge vehicles have been improving in reliability rankings in recent years but it's always a good idea to check out reviews from other owners.
Potential Drawback (Humorous Take)
You'll be safe and secure but we can’t guarantee your friends won't make fun of your "Dad-Mobile" as they ride shotgun. Just wait until they feel that V8 kick in. They'll change their tune pretty quick.
Exterior Styling: A Bold American Design
There’s no mistaking the 2022 Durango R/T for anything but a Dodge. From its aggressive front grille to the LED headlights and distinctive hood scoop this SUV makes a statement wherever it goes.
Exterior Color Options
- White Knuckle
- Octane Red Pearlcoat
- F8 Green
- Vice White
- Destroyer Gray
- And many more...
Technology and Infotainment
Technology is another area where the Durango R/T doesn’t disappoint. Standard tech features include:
- Uconnect 5 System: Dodge’s latest infotainment system with quick response times and intuitive controls.
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Seamless connectivity to your smartphone.
- Navigation & SiriusXM: Available with the upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Audio Experience
If you're a fan of good sound you'll appreciate the available Harman Kardon premium sound system which boasts 19 speakers and a subwoofer. Your tunes have never sounded better—especially with that V8 rumbling in the background.
Alex’s Take on Tech: "The Uconnect system is super easy to use. I hate when an infotainment system feels like you're operating a spaceship but Dodge keeps it simple. Plug in your phone and you're ready to go. Plus the navigation actually makes sense and doesn’t send you into a ditch somewhere."
Potential Drawback (Humorous Take)
Just be careful—it's so easy to switch between radio Bluetooth and navigation that you'll end up playing DJ at every red light. Warning: karaoke enthusiasts may find themselves getting carried away with all those speakers and tech at their disposal.
Pricing and Deals: How to Get a Great Price
The 2022 Dodge Durango R/T originally starts around $48,000 MSRP when new but you can often find them for a bit less if you look for certified pre-owned models or dealer sales. Keep an eye on these key tips when hunting for a deal:
Tips for Finding a 2022 Durango R/T for Sale
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): A certified pre-owned Durango R/T can give you added peace of mind with a manufacturer-backed warranty.
- Dealership Promotions: Always check local Dodge dealers for promotions or financing offers.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to haggle. It’s an American tradition as iconic as the Durango itself.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance
While we've already covered the fuel economy (not so great but hey it's a V8 what'd you expect?) let's touch on maintenance.
- Oil Changes: Typically every 6,000-7,500 miles.
- Brake Pads and Rotors: Durangos are heavy vehicles so be prepared to replace brake pads a bit more frequently especially if you drive aggressively.
Potential Drawback (Humorous Take)
If you're used to driving a Prius you're gonna have a bit of a sticker shock when it comes to filling up and maintaining the Durango R/T. But who buys a V8 SUV expecting to save money on gas? Just embrace it—it’s part of the "living large" experience.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2022 Dodge Durango R/T for You?
If you're looking for an SUV that's got character performance and enough space to fit the family (and maybe even the family dog) then the 2022 Dodge Durango R/T should be high on your list. With its muscle car spirit and practical features this vehicle can do it all—commuting towing road trips and more.
Alex Collantes says: "Honestly if you're tired of boring crossovers and want something that feels alive then get the Durango R/T. It's practical but not boring fast but not a gas-guzzling monster and overall it's just a fun car to own."
Pros
- Powerful V8 Engine: Unmatched performance in its class.
- Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
- Impressive Towing Capacity: Up to 8700 lbs.
Cons (With a Twist)
- Fuel Economy: Let’s just say "thirsty."
- Bold Styling: Love it or hate it it’s all-American.
- Attention-Grabbing: Don't expect to go unnoticed.
Your Turn: Should You Buy a 2022 Durango R/T?
Are you ready to go all-in on the SUV that offers the best of muscle car DNA with family-friendly features? The 2022 Dodge Durango R/T might just be the perfect ride for you.
References:
- Dodge Official Website
- Car and Driver Review of 2022 Durango
- Consumer Reports on Dodge Durango Reliability
- Interview with Alex Collantes (Enthusiast and Durango R/T Owner)
Hopefully this article gave you a solid overview of what makes the 2022 Dodge Durango R/T so unique and why it might be a great choice for your next vehicle. Happy car shopping and remember life’s too short to drive boring cars!