Here in the Middle East, SUVs rule the roost and for good reason. Not only are they practical in the sense that they can accommodate your whole family in comfort, but most come with truly decent powertrains, making them more than just mere transportation devices. You can actually take them off-road without getting stuck just 10 yards into the rough…
Now, since there are so many SUVs battling for the honours, selecting our favourite of the lot was a tricky task to say the least. It was actually the toughest segment to award a winner to since so many have left a mark on us here at wheels towers over the last 12 months. There have been a handful of properly good ones: for instance, the Volkswagen Touareg, with that stonking new V8, would have been a worthy winner. And the Ford Explorer, which is not only good looking, but also offers plenty of decent kit, was deserving of the accolade. Similarly, a case for the GMC Terrain, which we had on our long-term fleet, could have been made and nobody would have been too surprised had it won bragging rights. However, I didn't really like the way it looked and I found the Explorer lacked in power, while the only thing new about the Touareg was the engine. After much arguing and fist shaking, we came to the unanimous decision that there was nothing out there that could contend with the all-new Dodge Durango.
What a magnificent job Chrysler has done with it. Following its year-long hiatus, it's back boasting sleek new looks and a unibody construction. The new Durango is nothing like its predecessor and that's a good thing, because the last generation model looked and handled like a truck. Now, the all-wheel drive Durango is as stiff as can be thanks to no less than 5,500 welds, and though it weighs 2,418kg, you feel as if you could toss this beast into corners and come out unscathed.
This thing fully deserves the award for those fabulous looks alone. The fact it comes fitted with 45 safety and security features is no mean feat either. In fact, it is hard to find a fault with it.
Sitting under that sculpted bonnet lies a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 mated to a five-speed auto, producing 360bhp and 520Nm of torque. Those are sportscar-rivalling figures. And, since the V8 has a fuel saver mode and variable valve timing, it means it'll sip just 12 litres-per-100km.
The best thing about this beauty is that you and six others get to enjoy the smooth ride, ample kit and that hearty raw from the exhausts. Fitted with loads of toys and gadgets such as remote start, keyless entry, a power liftgate, reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity, the Durango isn't just engaging to drive, but it is built with the quality and refinement that you'd expect from prestige cars. And you can get all this for just a fraction of the price of one.
