The rest of the controls are sensibly laid out and easy to use, and most of the textures and materials feel like they’re made of quality stuff and properly assembled. The rotary-dial gear selector may seem gimmicky, but serves to free up space that would have otherwise been occupied by a shift lever that travels through a track. We would like to see the cubby with DC and USB plug points have a cover to keep prying eyes and would-be thieves from seeing our iPods and other plug-in-ables.

At over $60,000, this Durango has pretty much every option one could throw at it, driving it up into rarified domains occupied by premium brands. The volume-leader Durangos with their solid V6 platforms start tens of thousands of bucks cheaper than this rig, but lack the V8 bravado that defines the R/T. Still, with considerable restraint exercised when choosing options, a Durango R/T can be ordered for just under $50,000. You’ll need to search long and hard to find another seven-passenger crossover with V8 power for so little money.

Warranty:
3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 3 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 5 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Traverse
Ford Explorer
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinder
Hyundai Santa Fe XL
Toyota 4Runner

Like dear ol’ Red from Orange Is The New Black, the Durango R/T seems to have a bit of trouble fitting in in many circles. Not quite as rugged as the body-on-frame truck-utes, but more rough-and-tumble than the soft car-like crossovers, it’s useful and respected by those who get to appreciate its qualities.

Pricing: 2015 Dodge Durango R/T AWD
Base Price: $49,995
Options: Technology Group, $1,450; Rear DVD Entertainment Centre, $2,150; Trailer Tow Group, $795; Premium Nappa Leather Group, $1,000; 2nd Row Fold/Tumble Captain Chairs, $600; 2nd Row Console w/ Armrest & Storage, $250; Power Sunroof, $1,395; Uconnect 8.4” with Navigation, $1,250
Destination: $1,695
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $60,680

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