A Deep Dive into the Remarkable 2022 Dodge Durango Interior: A Refined Space for Every Journey
When it comes to three-row SUVs, the 2022 Dodge Durango stands out for many reasons—but what truly captures the attention is its interior. With a blend of modern tech and plush materials, the Durango’s interior offers a luxurious experience for both driver and passengers. While the Durango’s muscular engine options and impressive towing capability dominate headlines, it's essential to explore what’s happening inside the cabin, where comfort, practicality, and design converge.
Let’s unpack the details of the 2022 Durango’s interior, highlighting its strengths while also acknowledging a few areas where there’s room for improvement. You’ll find personal touches, expert opinions, and a human take on one of Dodge’s most versatile SUVs.
Durango’s Interior Design: A Cabin Tailored for Comfort
First Impressions
Step inside the 2022 Dodge Durango, and you're met with an environment that mixes sporty touches with an upmarket feel. The cabin isn’t just functional—it’s designed with thoughtfulness in mind. The dashboard layout feels intuitive with all major controls within easy reach, yet it remains uncluttered. This makes daily driving or long road trips feel comfortable.
However, there’s one potential drawback—while the overall design is sleek, it may not stand out as particularly unique compared to other competitors in the segment. Some people might find it a bit understated. But for those who appreciate subtlety over flashiness, this might actually be a plus.
Material Quality and Craftsmanship
Dodge has paid attention to material quality in the Durango. The available leather upholstery feels premium, especially in higher trims like the Citadel and RT. Soft-touch plastics and real metal accents add to the upscale feel. However, in lower trims, such as the SXT, the materials aren’t as luxurious, with some hard plastics still present, particularly on the door panels and lower sections of the dashboard.
That said, the stitching on the seats is clean and precise, even in the more affordable models, offering a sense of durability. Alex Collantes, a Durango owner and auto enthusiast, shared his thoughts, stating, “The interior craftsmanship of my Durango RT is impeccable. You feel the attention to detail in every stitch, and the materials hold up even after months of heavy use.”
Color and Trim Options
Dodge gives buyers the opportunity to personalize their Durango’s interior with a range of colors and trim options. You can opt for Red Nappa leather seats in the SRT 392 or a more traditional black leather option in the GT. Some people appreciate the bolder choices, but if you're someone who prefers muted tones, Dodge offers the classic beige or black.
However, one drawback is the limited availability of customizations in lower trims, where fewer color options are available. For those who love to fully personalize their vehicle, this might feel a bit restrictive.
Seat Comfort and Adjustability
A hallmark of the 2022 Durango is the comfort of its seats. Whether you're in the front or back, you’re going to enjoy your ride. The front seats are especially supportive, with available 12-way power adjustment and heating and cooling options. In the second row, captain’s chairs add a touch of class and additional space, making it feel less like an SUV and more like a high-end sedan. Even the third-row seats are spacious enough for adults—though they’re better suited for shorter trips.
That said, the third row might feel a bit tight for taller passengers on long trips. But for a mid-size SUV, it still manages to provide more space than many of its competitors.
How Does the Durango’s Seating Compare?
- Front seats: Excellent adjustability and support, with available heated and ventilated options.
- Second-row seats: Comfortable, especially with optional captain’s chairs.
- Third-row seats: Roomy enough for short trips, though taller adults may feel cramped.
Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected on the Go
Uconnect Infotainment System
One of the shining aspects of the Durango’s interior is the Uconnect infotainment system. It’s user-friendly and incredibly responsive. The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Step up to higher trims, and you can enjoy a massive 10.1-inch display, which offers a more immersive experience, especially when using the available navigation system.
Some critics, however, have pointed out that the menu structure can be a little overwhelming at first, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy. But once you get the hang of it, the system becomes second nature.
Sound System and Entertainment Options
Dodge didn’t skimp on sound either. The available Harman Kardon sound system in higher trims delivers clear, crisp audio, with plenty of bass for music lovers. With 19 speakers spread throughout the cabin, it’s almost like having a home theater on wheels. For road trips or family outings, the available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens keeps passengers entertained.
However, for those in lower trims, the standard audio setup is somewhat basic. It’s a decent system, but if you’re an audiophile, upgrading to the higher trims or adding the sound package is worth it.
Interior Space and Practicality: Room for Everything
Cargo Space
When it comes to cargo, the Durango excels. Behind the third row, there’s 17.2 cubic feet of storage, which expands to 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 85.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. This space is more than enough for grocery runs, weekend trips, or even moving small furniture.
That said, some users might find the loading height a bit high, especially compared to competitors like the Chevy Traverse. But for those accustomed to SUVs, this is a minor inconvenience.
Storage Solutions
Beyond just cargo space, Dodge has packed the Durango with numerous storage compartments. There are large door pockets, a deep center console, and a sizable glovebox. The third row also offers cupholders and small bins, ensuring even those in the back have places to store their belongings.
A minor drawback is the lack of USB ports in the third row—passengers may have to rely on the second row for charging their devices. In an age where every seat tends to need a charging port, this could be improved.
Key Features for Storage and Cargo:
- Ample cargo space for a mid-size SUV.
- Clever storage compartments throughout the cabin.
- Third-row cupholders, though lacking in USB ports.
Driver and Passenger Safety: Keeping Everyone Protected
Standard Safety Features
Dodge packed the 2022 Durango with a solid set of standard safety features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These systems work seamlessly to provide drivers with an added layer of confidence on the road.
However, it’s worth noting that some advanced safety features, such as lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert, are only available in higher trims or as part of optional packages. This might frustrate buyers who expect a fully loaded safety suite in the base model.
Driver Assistance and Visibility
In terms of visibility, the Durango offers large windows and an available 360-degree camera, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces or parking lots. The blind-spot monitoring system also works effectively, ensuring you stay safe during lane changes.
But the thick rear pillars can hinder rearward visibility to some extent, making reliance on the rearview camera more crucial. For some, this could feel like a limitation, but the available camera system mitigates most concerns.
Safety Features Recap:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning.
- Optional lane-keeping assist in higher trims.
- 360-degree camera available for enhanced visibility.
Final Thoughts: The 2022 Dodge Durango Interior’s Overall Appeal
The 2022 Dodge Durango offers an impressive interior that balances comfort, technology, and practicality. With seating for up to seven passengers, a sleek dashboard design, and plenty of cargo space, it caters to a variety of needs—whether you're a growing family, an adventurous couple, or someone who just needs the room.
There are a few areas where Dodge could improve. For instance, the use of hard plastics in lower trims might feel out of place for some buyers, and the high cargo loading height could be an issue for others. But overall, these are minor concerns in what is otherwise a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed interior.
As Alex Collantes sums it up, “The Durango gives you that perfect balance between a tough SUV and a comfortable cruiser. It’s a space you can live in every day without any regrets.”
Pros:
- Comfortable seating in all three rows.
- User-friendly infotainment system.
- Ample cargo space for an SUV of this size.
Cons:
- Limited material quality in lower trims.
- High loading height for cargo.
For those in search of an SUV that delivers on performance without compromising on comfort, the 2022 Dodge Durango deserves a serious look. It’s more than just a muscle car with a large engine—it’s a well-equipped and thoughtfully designed vehicle ready for whatever life throws your way.