2014 Dodge Durango Offers More Than 60 Advanced Safety and Security Features

March 27, 2013 , New York City -  The new 2014 Dodge Durango offers consumers more than 60 available safety and security features, including standard all-speed traction control and electronic stability control (ESC), which improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on- and off-road. Standard trailer-sway control (TSC) enhances towing capabilities and keeps the vehicle and trailer aligned going down the road.

Safety and security features available for the first time on the Dodge Durango include Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, advanced cruise control with stop, Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call and roadside assistance.

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, which aid drivers when changing lanes or in parking lot situations, are also available. In addition, standard front-row active head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

The following is a complete list of 62 safety and security features available in the new 2014 Dodge Durango:

New 9-1-1- Call/Assist Call: Mirror-mounted buttons for emergency services, roadside assistance, Uconnect Customer Care and non-collision related emergencies

Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for one second to indicate a lane change

New adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop: The system decreases the Durango’s pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane. The system will accelerate to the pre-set speed when the vehicle in front speeds up or moves into another lane. ACC will maintain a driver adjustable distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it, and can bring Durango to a controlled stop.

Advanced multistage air bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity
of the impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants

All-speed traction control system: Part of the standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), helps keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during all speeds by applying individual brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation to prevent wheel slip

Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions

Anti-lock brake system with rough-road detection: Anti-lock brake system is capable of detecting if the Durango is driving on a rough road by the oscillations in the wheel speed signals. Rough road is detected on off-road surfaces or trails, and ABS enters a different pressure control where it will hold the brake pressure for longer pulses

Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror: Auto-dimming mirror automatically reduces glare from bright light allowing the driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror: Auto-dimming mirror automatically reduces glare from bright light allowing the driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead

Auto high beam headlamps: Headlamp system adjusts to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting

Auto-reverse sunroof: The sunroof automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction during closing

Auto-reverse windows: The window automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction during closing

Automatic headlamps: Headlamps turn on and off automatically depending on exterior light levels and when the windshield wipers are turned on or off

BeltAlert: Activates a chime and/or illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if the Durango is driven without belted front-seat occupants

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime

Brake Assist: In an emergency brake situation, the system applies maximum braking power, minimizing the stopping distance

Brake-throttle override: Allows driver to stop the Durango when throttle and brake inputs occur simultaneously; electronic throttle control reduces engine-power output until Durango stops or pedal inputs cease

Brake/park interlock: Prevents the transmission from being shifted out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is pushed
Brake traction control system (BTCS): Helps to keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s)

Child seat anchor system: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats in the second and third rows

Constant-force retractors (CFR): Regulates the force exerted on the occupant by the seat belt, and then gradually releases seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner

Crumple zones: Specially formed structural members that crumple and absorb energy in a collision, helping protect the occupant cabin

Daytime running lamps (DRL): Low-intensity halogen or signature LED lights that illuminate during daytime conditions, increasing the Durango’s visibility to other drivers

Electronic locking fuel filler door: Prevents theft or tampering of the gas cap, which can lead to inefficiency and unwanted release of fuel vapors

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): An extension of electronic stability control (ESC). Uses input from ESC sensors to anticipate if the Durango is at risk of entering a potential roll situation, then applies the brakes individually and modulates the throttle position as needed

Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability. Provides the benefit in critical driving situations such as turns, and is valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions, including snow, ice or gravel. If there is a discernible difference between driver input through the steering wheel and the Durango’s path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to guide the Durango back on to the driver’s intended path

Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management

Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off flow of fuel to the engine

Express up/down windows: One-touch powered express up/down window button located on the front driver and passenger-side door

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Crash Mitigation (New): Using forward-facing radar sensors, this system detects when the Durango may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts the driver so the driver can determine what action must be taken in order to prevent a collision

Full-length side-curtain air bags: Extend protection to outboard front- and rear-seat passengers in all three rows. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor that autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. This type of air bag is housed in the headliner just above side windows

Global Position Sensor (GPS): Used for navigation guidance and electronic vehicle tracking

Harman/Kardon navigation (New): Voice-activated navigation system available with real-time traffic to provide precise guidance to destination through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology

Height-adjustable seat belts: Outboard seat belts feature height adjustment, allowing for the seat belt to be placed in the optimal position for any driver

High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination

Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting the Durango from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after a driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released

Inside emergency tailgate release: Features a glow-in-the-dark handle on the inside of the tailgate that unlatches the door should an occupant become trapped in the cargo area

Keyless Enter-N-Go: When an individual enters the Durango, electronic sensors detect if the Durango key fob is present. The vehicle will then allow the individual to push a button to start the vehicle without having to insert the key into the ignition

Knee airbag, driver’s side (New): Helps protect the driver’s legs from contact with the instrument panel and steering column in a collision

Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): State-of-the-art GPS-enabled stolen vehicle recovery system. EVTS includes nationwide tracking, including 24/7 emergency service dispatch, security fence, arrival/departure notification, excessive speed notification and trace maps of past locations

ParkSense rear park assist system: Assists at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver and has a display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) integrated into the instrument cluster

ParkView rear backup camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the Durango, giving the driver greater peace of mind before reversing at low speeds. Contains dynamic grid lines to aid the driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the Durango’s trailer hitch, when so equipped. The image is displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse

Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column with memory: Allows steering column to tilt and move toward or away from the driver to achieve a safe and comfortable distance from the advanced multi-stage front driver air bag, if deployed

Rain Brake Support: Uses the ESC pump to occasionally push brake pads lightly against brake rotors in rainy conditions in order to keep rotors dry

Rain-sensing wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers

Reactive head restraints: Deploy in the event of a rear collision. Restraints are designed to reduce injuries by minimizing the gap between the head restraint and the passenger’s head

Ready Alert Braking (RAB): Anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and uses the ESC pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application

Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection: In parking lot situations, this system warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their Durango. It activates any time the Durango is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the Durango via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime

Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the Durango is equipped with a security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system

Remote start: Conveniently starts the engine and activates key comfort settings based on ambient conditions by using the key fob while maintaining vehicle security

Safety cage body structure: Enhances occupant protection by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact

Seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seatbelt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s torso

Sentry Key engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after a few seconds

SiriusXM Travel Link: Real-time traffic updates, local fuel prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie locations and times all featured in this subscription-based system provided by SiriusXM Radio

Seat-mounted side thorax air bags: SProvide enhanced protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor that autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. Standard side thorax air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat

Side guard door beams: Reinforcement beams inside the doors that increase occupant protection in a side collision

Supplemental turn signals (New): Signal lamp built into the housing of exterior mirrors allows turn signals to be viewed from the front, as well as the sides and rear of the Durango in order to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians

Three-point seat belts: Front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions have lap and shoulder belts

Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) system: Informs driver when tire pressure is too low. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system

Trailer-sway control (TSC): Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. The system monitors the Durango’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path, then applies alternating brake pressure to slow the Durango and then increases the pressure on one front wheel in order to counteract the sway induced by the trailer

Uconnect Voice: An in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. When the Bluetooth phone is initially connected, the contact list is automatically downloaded, synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. It also allows drivers to switch radio modes, tune to AM/FM and SiriusXM Radio stations and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands. The handsfree option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Vehicle theft security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry