2014 Dodge Durango Debuts New Blacktop Package

dodge durango red front ・ Photo by FCA Media

Although it was slightly off its game last month, when sales slipped by 6 percent, the 2014 Dodge Durango has still seen its year-to-date volume jump by 13 percent through July—and that was before the recent introduction of a Blacktop appearance package for the self-styled "driver's" SUV.

Said Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO of the Dodge and SRT brands for Chrysler Group LLC: "The rear-wheel-drive-based Dodge Durango is already one of a kind. It stands out as the Charger of the three-row SUV segment. Now with Blacktop Package, customers can make it even more unique, and it's customized by the factory."

Further helping with personalization possibilities is the fact that the Blacktop Package actually includes three levels of content, each fine-tuned to a different trim level for the 2014 Dodge Durango.

For the 2014 Dodge Durango SXT, for example, the package provides a Gloss Black finish to the vehicle's iconic cross-hair grille, complements that with a Gloss Black grille surround, then adds similarly shaded 20-inch aluminum wheels, side mirrors and badging. Additional custom design cues include bright-tipped dual exhaust outlets, black headlamp bezels and body-colored fascias/moldings, with the MSRP for the package listed at $1,590.

As you'd probably guess, the upscale 2014 Dodge Durango Limited offers a Blacktop package with all of those features and more, like LED daytime running lamps, HID headlamps and premium-leather cabin appointments. The price for this package is $1,990.

Dodge also offers a Blacktop setup for the already-sporty 2014 Dodge Durango R/T, but with a more restrained content list that allows owners to continue enjoying the R/T model's own distinctive design touches.  That package serves up the Gloss Black wheels, grille/grille surround and side mirrors for an MSRP of $295.

The 2014 Dodge Durango itself starts at $29,995 with the standard 295-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, but yes, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is available as well, and can deliver a robust 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque.

Finally, if the "Blacktop" name seems familiar to folks, that's probably because it has become a bit of a sub-brand for Dodge, which now offers Blacktop packages for all players on its team except for the Dodge Viper.