SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Dodge Durango, the segment leader in power, towing capacity and driving range, wins "Full-Size SUV of Texas" award
• The Texas Automotive Writers Association (TAWA) hosted its annual "Texas Truck Rodeo" Oct. 21-22 in San Antonio

Nearly 60 journalists belonging to the Texas Automotive Writers Association (TAWA) spent two days driving the industry's newest sport-utility and crossover vehicles in San Antonio late last week, and when the dust settled, the new Dodge Durango stood proud as the winner of the prestigious "Full-Size SUV of Texas" honor.

"It's always an honor when opinion-leading journalists recognize the tremendous capability, style and value we're offering with our all-new lineup of Dodge vehicles," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. "With Durango's standard seven-passenger seating, class-leading towing capacity and driving range, the Dodge Durango offers a true no-compromise solution, blending capability and refinement into one stylish SUV."

The TAWA media take many customer demands into consideration when evaluating the vehicles, including everything from exterior styling and on- and off-road capability, to the entrant's overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.

"The 2012 Dodge Durango made quite an impression at this year's TAWA Truck Rodeo," said Mike Herzing, President of TAWA. "With its spacious and refined interior, impressive driving dynamics, and class-leading towing capability, it's only fitting that the Dodge Durango is named the 2012 Full-Size SUV of Texas."

Earlier this year, the Dodge Journey seven-seat crossover was recognized by TAWA, winning the coveted "Family Car of Texas" award.

About Dodge Durango

With its class-leading towing and driving range of more than 550 miles, V-6 and V-8 engine choices, four-wheel independent suspension, near 50:50 weight distribution, and responsive steering and handling, Durango has functionality and driving dynamics unlike what you typically find in a seven-seat Sport Utility. No other SUV on the road compares with the all-new Dodge Durango's distinctive bold Dodge design that craftily houses a spacious three-row, seven-passenger functional, flexible and premium interior, covered in soft-touch materials.

Durango features more than 30 storage areas, 28 seating configurations and a rear cargo area of nearly 85 cubic feet that fits a six-foot couch with room for coffee table or a 10-foot ladder with the front passenger seat folded flat. Utility may be one of Durango's key attributes, but safety did not take a back seat during development. The 2012 Dodge Durango was recently named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

About Dodge

Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are sporty, functional and innovative. With nearly 100 years of heritage, the brand has a history of providing its customers excellent quality, innovation and value. Dodge is building on the momentum of introducing six all-new or significantly redesigned products, solidifying its message that Dodge offers an excellent value for American families looking for top performance in all the places that matter – from power off the line and handling in the corners to high-quality, dependable vehicles that deliver unmatched functionality and excellent fuel economy in everyday driving situations. In fact, Dodge now offers six vehicles that deliver 25 mpg on the highway, while retaining that distinctive Dodge innovation and style. With the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger and significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, Dodge also now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the country with more new product coming.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC