The last time the Dodge Durango saw a complete redesign was in 2011 when it moved away from its body on frame platform to embrace unit body construction. Designed in concert with the then-new Jeep Cherokee as well as the Mercedes-Benz M and R Class vehicles of the time, the 2018 Dodge Durango Citadel can be properly referred to as a veteran. Said differently, while that update brought the Durango firmly into parity with its competitors of the time, the ensuing seven years have seen the rest of the field advance considerably.

On the other hand though, Dodge has made a number of strides to keep the Durango as fresh as possible. Among the most significant was the adoption of an eight-speed automatic transmission back in 2014—along with a new interior treatment incorporating Chrysler’s outstanding 8.4-inch touchscreen interface hosting the company’s universally applauded Uconnect infotainment system.

As a result, while the Durango’s foundation remains rooted in the early part of this decade, the model still manages to feel somewhat contemporary. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to tell the Dodge is old enough to be in grade school when you drive it. What’s more, if you opt for the luxury-oriented Citadel trim level you’ll get the option of the venerable 360-horsepower, 5.7-liter “Hemi” V8. Good for 390 ft-lbs of torque and 22 mpg on the highway, the Hemi can sometimes make you forget just how big Durango Citadel really is.

Bottom line, this Dodge is very commendable as an alternative to its Grand Cherokee sibling. But you’ll find its competitors are newer and quite formidable when you look outside the Chrysler family.​

 For 2018, Dodge Durango Citadel pricing starts at $43,995.