Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com Deem Dodge Durango a Top Family Ride

CONCORD, N.H. (06/13/2012)(readMedia)-- There are 15 vehicles on Parents magazine and Edmunds.com's recently released Best Family Cars of 2012 list, and all of them are capable of carrying a driver's family safely. However, when it comes to hauling everything else at the same time, there is one ride that stands out: the 2012 Dodge Durango. Offering towing and hauling capabilities that far surpass the other honorees, the Durango was the only full-size SUV to make the collection of family-ready vehicles.

Parents and Edmunds.com had safety at the top of their criteria when compiling their Best Family Cars of 2012, but they also considered fuel economy, value, kid-friendly features and style. Designated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2012 Dodge Durango has aced the most stringent crash tests, and with a best-in-class V6 highway cruising range of more than 500 miles, bathroom breaks will be the only reason to stop on most road trips.

"Dodge gave the Durango outsized power and downsized fuel thirst, making it a great SUV for families on the move," said Brian Duval, general manager of Concord, New Hampshire Dodge dealership Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. "Whether you're towing a boat or a camper, or just getting the kids and their friends to soccer practice, the Durango can do it all with its versatile design."

Instrumental to the 2012 Durango's hauling and towing abilities are its powerful engine options. The standard model comes with the award-winning 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which not only tows up to 6,200 pounds, but returns up to 23 mpg on the highway as well. Those looking for even greater performance can opt for the HEMI V8, which produces 360 horsepower while bumping up towing capacity to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped. The robust V8 also comes equipped with Fuel Saver Technology that allows the engine to run on four cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. Both powerplants are available with all-wheel drive, a boon for New England motorists in the winter.

While muscle under the hood is a welcome characteristic, it was the Durango's interior versatility that earned a special mention from Parents and Edmunds.com editors. The large second row of seats offers more-than-ample space for three children, but even the third row has plenty of legroom. Adding to that comfort for passengers is the Durango's three-zone climate control system, which allows occupants to tailor the temperature to their own taste. Other family-friendly features include an array of cubbies for odds and ends, as well as a front center console that is big enough to hold a diaper bag.

Whether it is attracting families or single adventurers, the Dodge Durango has been popular at dealerships in 2012. Through May, the full-size SUV has sold more than 18,000 units in the United States, a 2-percent increase compared to the same time period last year. That performance has helped Dodge's overall sales numbers grow by 16 percent thus far in 2012 year-over-year.

"The Durango is a great example of how Dodge has retained the athleticism that its buyers expect while advancing fuel efficiency and style," Duval noted. "Those kinds of changes, also showcased by the upcoming Dodge Dart compact, have led to a resurgence for the brand. It's an exciting time to be a Dodge dealer."

About Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

New Hampshire Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram customers come to Bob Mariano Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for unmatched attention to detail, whether they are searching for a new or used Jeep, financing a new Chrysler sedan, or looking for Dodge service and parts for a crossover, SUV or pickup truck. Their knowledgeable sales team can help you find the right car at the right price, while their parts and service specialists get you back on the road quickly and effectively. Put them to work for you by visiting www.bobmariano.com, calling 603-228-1345 or stopping by their dealership at 146 Manchester Street in Concord, N.H. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BobMarianoChrysler.