Depending on where you live, your daily routine may rely on a vehicle that can handle rough terrain, inclement weather, cold temperatures, and even ice. Whenever you need a new or new-to-you vehicle, you may want to take a look at your local Dodge dealer and see if a model from their current lineup suits you. An array of features come with each Dodge vehicle, from advanced technology to innovative safety and driver-assist features to optional equipment that will take your driving experience to the next level while providing everything you need for a safe commute. Are you ready to find out the specifics? Let’s look at three of the best Dodge vehicles for drivers needing a dependable, hardworking commuter that can also double as a fun family vehicle.
The Dodge Durango: The Beefy SUV
While you may not consider an SUV a hardy vehicle, the Dodge Durango just might change your mind. Instead of a four-cylinder engine like many other SUVs, the Durango comes standard with a V6, with optional V8 engines if you’re interested in towing more than almost every other SUV in its class. With three rows of seating, a beefy engine, and the ability to tow your toys anywhere you want to go for the weekend, it’s definitely worth checking out. Whether you want to take the family out on more camping trips or explore new cities on your days off, you’ll be glad you’ve got the space to take your whole family with you, along with whatever they need to ensure a fun, relaxed trip.
The 2022 base model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, an 8.4” infotainment center that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, rear parking sensors, roof rails, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Advanced safety features mean you’ll be riding in comfort, confident with the knowledge that the Durango will keep you and your passengers as safe as possible. You’ll also enjoy a wealth of information at your fingertips due to the infotainment center’s features. You can navigate unfamiliar roads, listen to your favorite music, make hands-free phone calls, and listen to all the podcasts you’ve been meaning to catch up on.
Some optional features include a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control. The heated seating and steering wheel are excellent perks for those who need to venture out on a freezing morning, while the rain-sensing wipers will stay one step ahead of you on the road during snow or rain. Whether it’s a desolate interstate or a packed highway, you’ll appreciate the adaptive cruise control when you want to ease off the gas. The sunroof is helpful in winter for allowing a bit more heat inside the vehicle, and in the summer, it’s nice to open it up and let the breeze through.
The Dodge Dakota: The Heavy-Duty Pickup
While Dodge discontinued the Dakota in 2011, there are still plenty of models in used lots across the United States, and with such a heavy-duty setup, they’re made to last for quite a long time. It is technically a midsize pickup, but with its long wheelbase, it looks closer to a full-size pickup. You can choose a Dakota truck with either the extended or crew cab, meaning you have plenty of room inside for friends, family members, pets, and all of your sports gear, tools, luggage, or groceries.
The 2009 Dodge Dakota comes with plenty of storage space in the back as well, with either a 64.8-inch or 79.2-inch bed, but with either option, you’ll get the additional utility rails and cargo boxes. These tools make it easier to keep your equipment separate and protected from the weather while inside the cab; Dodge’s Crate ‘N Go system will allow you to configure storage space beneath the seats so that nothing slips or slides while in transit.
The Dakota stands out above the rest of the vehicles in its class thanks to its roomy cabin. 60/40 split seats allow for reconfiguring, which is helpful when luggage, crates, or other larger objects won’t fit underneath the seats. This also allows one or two passengers to navigate the back seats without feeling too cramped, which will help make the ride easier and more pleasant for everyone.
The Dodge Charger: The Flashy Muscle Car
Not sure you want to move to a pickup or SUV? If you’re looking for something smaller that still has a lot of power and space for passengers, look no further than the full-size sedan Dodge Charger, guaranteed to make driving to and from work as fun as possible. With the choice of a V6 with all-wheel drive or a couple of V8s engines with rear-wheel drive, you’ll have an abundance of capability options to choose from. And with a variety of colors, accessories, and optional features, the Charger is a great choice for those who love to customize their vehicle to their unique personality.
The 2020 Dodge Charger is a muscle car, which means the interior can be rather simple, but that doesn’t stop it from having plenty of storage space in the trunk. In addition to the ample trunk space, the Charger also comes equipped with lots of compartments in the cabin for your phone, drinks, and other essentials. You can get upgrades, like heated rear seats, additional lighting inside the cab, and an 8.4-inch infotainment center screen instead of the standard 7-inch display. To make your drive even more enjoyable, both infotainment screens are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so that you always have access to your favorite music and playlists.
There are also optional safety features you can add for more confidence on the road, like lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Driving a high-adrenaline vehicle like the Charger doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety. In fact, the extra safety equipment will give you the assurance and active support to enjoy your Charger to its fullest fire-breathing potential.
So, Which Dodge Are You?
No matter what kind of vehicle you’re looking for, you can find a Dodge at your local dealer that fits you to a tee. Each model offers a spacious interior for the people and pets in your life, along with lots of room for storage. This is especially helpful if you’re going on vacation, heading to the job site, or just eager to hit the highways and explore the open road. Dodge has long been a staple of the American automotive landscape, and if you’ve ever known anyone with a Dodge, you know they are a loyal bunch who enjoy a beefy engine paired with a fun yet practical ride.
Whether you’re eyeing the Charger, the Dakota, or the Durango, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the experience once you get behind the wheel. You’ll realize just how dependable, customizable, and high-quality they truly are. Talk to any Dodge owner, and you’ll hear stories about why they’ll never drive another brand, how their Dodge got them through a difficult driving situation, and how much their family relies on it. There’s a whole lot of love for the Dodge brand; just ask their drivers.
