The 2017 Dodge Durango represents a significant moment in the evolution of the full-size three-row SUV, blending muscular American performance with a surprisingly refined and practical interior. By the time the 2017 model year arrived, the Durango had shed the awkward bulk of its earlier generations, embracing a more sculpted, athletic stance that hinted at the agile handling lurking beneath its substantial frame. For families and enthusiasts alike, the interior of the 2017 Durango was a testament to Dodge’s commitment to providing a cabin that was both technologically advanced and built to handle the rigors of daily life.
Design and First Impressions
Walking into a 2017 Durango immediately establishes its presence, and the interior is no exception. The cabin is decidedly driver-focused, with a cockpit-style layout that places the driver within easy reach of every control. The use of high-quality soft-touch materials on the dashboard, doors, and center console dispels the notion of a cheap, plasticky truck, offering a tactile and upscale feel that was uncommon in its class at the time. The available leather-trimmed seating surfaces, particularly in the R/T and SRT performance trims, provide a luxurious level of comfort that feels genuinely indulgent after a long day on the road.
Seating and Space Configuration
The three-row seating is the Durango’s core strength, and the 2017 model executes this layout with impressive practicality. The second-row bench seat offers generous room for two full-sized adults, while the split-folding design allows for flexible configurations to accommodate oddly shaped cargo items. The third row, while best suited for children or short-distance adult passengers, is a genuine asset that transforms the Durango into a true 7-seater, a rarity among its competitors. With the second and third rows folded, the cargo area reveals a cavernous and nearly flat load floor that can easily swallow large furniture pieces or the debris from a major home renovation project.
Technology and Infotainment
Under the hood of the infotainment system, the 2017 Durango housed the Uconnect 3 8.4AN touchscreen, a significant upgrade in terms of speed and intuitiveness over previous generations. The interface is logically laid out, providing clear access to the radio, navigation, Bluetooth phone pairing, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not yet standard, but the robust Uconnect system provided ample functionality, including real-time traffic updates and a capable voice-recognition system. For the safety-conscious, the available rearview camera and ParkView rear park assist sensor were invaluable tools for navigating tight parking spots, transforming a large vehicle into a manageable daily driver.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
While the focus might be on the interior, the driving experience in the 2017 Durango is inextricably linked to the cabin’s atmosphere. The available 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivered a smooth and responsive power band that made highway merging effortless, while the top-tier 6.4-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT model unleashed a thrilling cacophony of power that was as intoxicating as it was effective. Inside, the ride quality was tuned to absorb road imperfections without feeling overly soft, ensuring that the cabin remained composed and quiet during cruise, a testament to the chassis engineering that supports the luxurious interior.
Trim Levels and Customization
The 2017 Durango offered a clear hierarchy of trim levels, each defining the character of the interior. The base SXT and SE trims provided the essential features, while the SEL and Limited added more premium touches like ventilated front seats and enhanced woodgrain accents. The R/T trim marked the entry into serious performance, bundling larger wheels, a more aggressive suspension, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. At the pinnacle stood the SRT, a high-performance variant that wrapped the Durango’s capable chassis in a menacing exterior package and filled the cabin with race-inspired details, including performance-tuned seating and a commanding driving position that screamed authority.
