Rear Seats-How to expand the cargo space in 2018 Dodge Durango REVIEW
With its rear seats folded, the Durango offers more than enough space for hauling cargo. Its storage cubbies throughout the cabin aren’t as large or as accommodating as those in other crossovers, but the Durango’s second- and third-row seats are easy to stow.
What’s New for 2018?
With zero changes made to its exterior shape or interior packaging, the Durango’s cargo space and practicality remains the same for 2018.
Test Results: Carry-On Luggage
We were able to fit 30 full-size carry-ons inside the Durango’s cabin with all of its seats folded flat, but we only fit four behind the third row with all seats in place. That’s two more cases than the Acadia managed in both measurements. The Ford Explorer held only 25 overall (the same as the Mazda CX-9), but it offered space for six of our cases behind the third row, making it best for hauling people and cargo at the same time. We’ve yet to subject the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse to our carry-on test, its interior measurements indicate that it should be even more voluminous than the Explorer.
Cargo Volume Comparisons
The 85 cubic feet of space provided once the Durango’s seats are stowed should be plenty for most families, and 48 cubic feet behind the second row is more than that behind the second rows of the Ford Explorer, the GMC Acadia, and the Mazda CX-9. The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse offers a giant 99-cubic-foot maximum and 10 cubic feet more (for a total of 58 cubic feet) than the Durango behind its second row. If hauling bulky items is part of why you’re considering a crossover, the Traverse may prove to be the better choice.
Folding the rear seats is a breeze thanks to a one-lever operation that both releases the seatbacks and drops the headrests for quick configuration changes.
Interior Cubby Storage
The Durango has five different cubbies and bins in the front row of seats and five more in the second row. Most of the cubbies are small, especially those in the center console. If the Durango is equipped with the optional rear-seat entertainment system, the center console is almost completely occupied by the Blu-ray player. The Durango actually has some of the lowest storage space by volume in its first and second rows.
There seems to be a segment-wide pattern of neglecting third-row passengers when it comes to stashing personal items. With the third row of seats, the Durango does provide both passengers with a storage bin, but the bins each double as cupholders. If you’re relegated to the way-back seats, hopefully you won’t be both thirsty and in need of storage. Even so, you’d still be in better shape than a third-row passenger in the GMC Acadia, which provides those folks with nothing.
Two additional bins inside the cargo area are more functional. One that’s located on the driver’s side is narrow but deep; a larger bin hides beneath the cargo floor.