Ever since the new version of the Dodge Durango was launched, back in 2011, the large SUV it has received plenty of praise for being a capable, well-rounded vehicle. Now, with the 2014 model-year refresh shown in NYC, the Durango is brought up to date with flashy bits that polish its style and various other improvements to its efficiency, driving dynamics and interior ambiance.

The first thing Dodge is very keen to mention is the new eight-speed automatic gearbox, which improves efficiency by a claimed 9 percent. It comes as standard on both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (290 or 295 hp) and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (with cylinder deactivation tech), which puts out 360 hp and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) – the gear selector is a Jaguar-Land Rover-esque rotary dial, though it is fixed and does not rise out of the center console like on the British cars.

For 2014, the Durango gets LED daytime running lights on the front, and new LED tail lights, each with 192 diodes. The front fascia is also updated, and overall the vehicle looks cleaner than the outgoing model. The 20-inch Hyper Black wheels (18-inch as standard), which come with the Rallye version, make the SUV look particularly handsome.

Once aboard, the 7-inch digital dials cluster, along with the 8.4- or 5-inch centrally-mounted touchscreen are the main points of attention – it even gets WiFi capability. Dodge has also added a rather outdated-sounding dual-screen Blu-Ray/DVD rear entertainment system that adds 9-inch screens in the headrests.

The steering wheel is also new, and it can be optionally heated, along with the fronts seats that can also be cooled, again, optionally. Safety is also good, and the Durango gets automatic crash notification (calls 911 for you), adaptive cruise control, which works in tandem with the forward collision warning system, which can brake the car at low speeds if it detects an imminent crash.

A total of ten exterior paint finishes are available, and inside buyers will be able to choose between no fewer than nine different variants, which include Capri leather and perforated Nappa leather, in various colors and with stitching accents. Different bezels and headliners are also available.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY

New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, Durango adds a new standard 8-speed transmission delivering up to a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, Dodge's signature racetrack tail lamps and available Uconnect Access with 8.4-inch touchscreen. New York – March 28, 2013 – Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, introduces the new 2014 Dodge Durango at the New York International Auto Show today. Durango, the ultimate ‘no compromise’ three-row SUV, is even better for 2014, delivering state-of-the-art technology in form and function. 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