October Spotlight Model: 2023 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango has been a mainstay for family-friendly SUV’s for nearly 25 years. It’s a roomy, family-friendly vehicle whose towing capabilities rival any other in its class. The Durango has had a few iterations since its inception but has never strayed away from its American muscle look. 

The 2023 Dodge Durango, our October Spotlight Model, brings all that back and more. Dodge brings six different versions of the Durango to the market in 2023/2024, detailed below with engine specs:

1. Durango SXT: 293-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder
2. Durango GT: 295-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder
3. Durango GT Plus: 295-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder (more luxury, tech, and safety features)
4. Durango R/T: 360-hp, 5.7-liter eight-cylinder 
5. Durango Citadel: 295-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder (premium seating material, larger screens with a range of connectivity options, and advanced safety features)
6. Durango R/T Plus: 360-hp, 5.7-liter eight-cylinder (more luxury, tech, and safety features)

The 2023 Dodge Durango is a solid choice for those looking for a spacious and powerful SUV. In their fuel-economy testing, Car and Driver found a significant boost in the towing capacity of the V-8 vs V-6 but the opposite in fuel efficiency. The latter also boasted a decent 19 mpg city and 26 highway, while the V-8 version came out at 14 mpg city and 22 highway.

Interior-wise, the 2023 Dodge Durango prioritizes ergonomics for passenger comfort and top-quality materials. It has a third row to fit up to eight passengers inside and enough cargo space for the entire family. 

It comes in eight different color options, with four being brand new. This includes the new Frostbite, Night Moves, Red Oxide, Triple Nickel colors, and returning Diamond Black, Octane Red, Vapor Grey, and White Knuckle. 

Overall, the 2023 Dodge Durango is a top choice for families and individuals who need a spacious, powerful, and versatile SUV. Take advantage of your chance to experience this new Dodge offering, as Melloy Dodge, your Albuquerque Durango dealer, has models arriving weekly! Please browse our inventory or stop in for a test drive today!

Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

 Fall is here, and with winter approaching, it's vital to have appropriate tires for potential weather conditions. This time of year, our service team often receives customer questions about whether their vehicle should have winter or all-season tires and the difference. Is it necessary to use winter tires in our area, or are all-season tires sufficient? Here are some answers: 

Winter Tires 

Winter tires are necessary if you live in a cold climate with hazardous winter weather, perhaps some of the most mountainous areas in New Mexico. They are purposely engineered to withstand the cold weather and slick road conditions. Winter-specific tires have a deeper, jagged tread to allow for better traction when moving. Tread on these also usually has thousands of slits called sipes that enhance grip on icy surfaces. You'll want to avoid these tires in warmer climates or during hot weather, though, as the pavement heat can wear them out quickly. So, come summertime, you'll probably have to switch them out for non-winter-specific ones.

All-season Tires

When it comes to driving all year round, all-season tires are a popular choice for many drivers. These tires are designed to perform well in various conditions, including wet and dry roads. One of the key features of all-season tires is their unique tread pattern, which is long and narrow. This design provides maximum grip and stable handling, which makes them ideal for everyday driving. However, be aware on an icy or slick road, these will slip and slide rather easily.

At Melloy Dodge, we understand that owning the car of your dreams is not just about luxury and style but also about safety. Therefore, our team is committed to ensuring your safety on the road. One crucial aspect of that is ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with the right tires based on the weather conditions and road surfaces you may encounter. This not only helps prolong the lifespan of your tires but also prevents unnecessary damage to other parts of your vehicle.

Best Used Ram Trucks to Buy Currently

While buying a new vehicle has its advantages, it may only be feasible for some due to budget constraints. This is where buying a dependable used vehicle can be practical. Depending on your choice, a used car can be viable for those seeking something trustworthy that won't give up on them in just a few years. Courtesy of the research and trustworthy minds at Motor Trend, here are two top Ram options if you're in the used truck market: 

2003‒2018 Ram 2500/3500 Cummins Turbodiesel Inline-Six

Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins Turbodiesel are known for their exceptional pulling power, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks that require reliability. Even when they have already clocked over 100,000 miles, these trucks can still perform efficiently, thanks to the 5.9-liter Cummins engine. Furthermore, newer models feature a more advanced urea injection system, which leads to better fuel efficiency and overall longevity of the truck. With up to 385 horsepower, these trucks offer a comfortable cabin that can be customized to your liking.

2009–2018 Ram 1500

Since 2003, Ram has been offering the renowned 5.7-liter HEMI engine. This engine has established itself as trustworthy and long-lasting over time. The Rams produced during these nine years feature this specific HEMI engine and are excellent deals for used trucks. They are an ideal option for a work truck, particularly if you frequently haul items with your vehicle. They can handle any task, equipped with up to 395 horsepower, 4WD, and a robust "big Chrysler 9.25-inch rear axle". The 545RFE five-speed auto transmission (6-speed post-2012) is reasonably easy for any certified mechanic to repair and helps the Hemi excel in its performance.  

If you're searching for a powerful vehicle, whether for the thrill of it or simply for practicality, you have two great options to consider: the 2003‒2018 Ram 2500/3500 Cummins Turbodiesel and the 2009–2018 Ram 1500 models. Regardless of manufacturer, these trucks have established themselves as top picks in the used truck market. Their strength, reliability, and sturdy construction make them reliable choices. With proper maintenance, these Rams will prove to be long-lasting vehicles. 

Visit Melloy Dodge today and test drive our selection of used Ram trucks and competing makes, or shop our online selection of used vehicles.