Blog

Are you looking for a midsize SUV that brings style and practicality? Whether you're taking your turn in the school carpool line or heading out for a family vacation, this SUV meets all the marks. Here's all you need to know about the 2020 Dodge Durango. more Power-Driven With three engine options under the hood of the 2020 Dodge Durango, you're sure to find the right power package for your needs. The entry-level 3.6-liter V-6, 295-horsepower engine powers the SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, Citadel, and Citadel Adonized Platinum trim levels. When you upgrade to the 5.7 liter V-8, power increases to 360 horsepower in the R/T. The performance-enhanced Durango SRT comes equipped with a powerful 6.4-liter, 475 horsepower V-8 engine. Towing-Capable The Durango gives you enough power to haul outdoor toys and gear for camping and vacationing. Beginning with a tow-capacity of 6,200 pounds, the V-6 hauls most toys, kids, gear. If you need a power boost, go for the V-8 engine that adds 1,100 pounds of tow capacity to your adventure-seeking ride. At the top end of the towing capacity, a Durango with the proper equipment handles 8,700 pounds. This means you can easily haul your boat and other large outdoor items. Use the included trailer sway control, while you are towing to keep your load and your vehicle safe on the road. The sway control alternates brake pressure between the wheels to give you more control regardless of the road conditions. Room for Everyone and Everything Seven adults comfortably fit in this truck over three rows of seating. The first two rows come with standard bucket seats and a bench in the back. Thanks to the flexibility and folding seats, you have several options when it comes to seating and cargo space. The bench seat has a 60/40 fold in it so you can keep half of it and lower the other half for longer items. The second-row seats fold and tumble for easier entry and exit from the third row. If you fold down the second and third-row seats, you'll have a total of 84.5 cubic feet of space. When you have all three rows of seats up, the interior holds 47.7 cubic feet of cargo. Technology-Equipped As soon as you step into this SUV, you'll notice technology surrounds you. For the driver, a digital cluster display gives you essential information, such as your speed and gas mileage. It also displays what type of audio source you are using and any safety alerts. Everyone enjoys the Uconnect infotainment system that is compatible with both Apple and Android smart devices. Connect your device for access to your music library and phone GPS apps as well as hands-free calling while you are on the road. For more fun, add the available dual-screen Blu-Ray entertainment system. It fits into the back of the front row seats so your crew can enjoy movies and shows while traveling. Do you find yourself planning your next road trip in the 2020 Dodge Durango? Stop by Davis-Moore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today. Our friendly staff looks forward to helping you find the perfect Durango for your family. Image via Dodge.com

Despite a constant barrage of new competitors, year after year the Dodge Grand Caravan holds its position as a dependable family vehicle. While other minivans and SUVs introduce lots of bells and whistles, the Caravan sticks to the basics: safety, power, and economy. more 1. Safety Features The Dodge Grand Caravan's primary objective is to protect its passengers. Complete with a rock-solid steel frame that forms a cage of protection around your family, the Caravan is designed to get you and your loved ones through minor to moderate collisions. It has crumple zones that transfer the energy from the impact to the chassis instead of the precious cargo inside. The interior, while comfortable, is also engineered to help passengers stay safe. If the vehicle gets jostled while driving or in an accident, the armrests serve as stabilizers to keep passengers in the safety of their seats. 2. Power The Dodge Grand Caravan packs a surprising punch. Flexing a 283 horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine, it has more than enough oomph to accelerate with a full load of passengers as you merge onto a highway or pull quickly through an intersection. The Caravan also has a six-speed automatic transmission geared to help drivers both accelerate smoothly at low speeds and whisk along the interstate above 50 mph. The sixth gear allows the Caravan to conserve fuel while cruising at speed, and the lower gears give it the jump it needs to navigate unpredictable traffic conditions. The Dodge Grand Caravan's engine also enables drivers to tow a small trailer, a moving container, or even another vehicle. All these horses chip in to provide a 3,600-pound tow rating. This powerhouse makes the Caravan a good option for not only towing valuable cargo but also loading up during a move or a big trip. 3. Easy on the Wallet The Dodge Grand Caravan's affordability is perhaps its claim to fame. The Caravan is significantly less expensive than other vehicles in its class. Dodge has focused on giving the Caravan the essentials and cutting out some of the unnecessary features that drive up its competition's prices. This doesn't mean buyers get a cheap, frumpy minivan. Dodge has designed the Caravan with a sleek, stylish exterior and a comfortable, sensible interior, so you can look good while you travel safely. 4. Reliability The Dodge Grand Caravan's dependability cannot be overstated. Dodge's engines, chassis, and interiors have stood the test of time and weathered an array of challenges over the years. It's not uncommon to see Caravans on the road for 15 years or longer, easily surpassing the 150,000-mile mark. The Caravan gives owners a sense of confidence because they know they have a vehicle that is not only sturdy but also a safe solution for their family and friends. Although the Dodge Grand Caravan is best known for its attractive price tag, the features of the vehicle itself are hard to overlook. It helps keep your family safe while providing enough power to haul both your valuables and your loved ones and letting you have a little fun along the way. Image via Dodge.com

Spring is a great time for hopping in the car and taking a road trip across the United States to explore the local cities, parks, and landmarks. Check these road trip-ready vehicles to see if one of them would be the perfect vehicle for your next long-distance adventure. more 1. Dodge Durango This rough and rugged SUV has the right combination of power, performance, and comfort that makes it perfect for traveling over the roughest roads the U.S. has to offer. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter, V-6 Pentastar engine that gets an estimated 19 city / 26 highway mpg. The eight-speed automatic transmission will keep the engine running smooth and maintain low rpm which will help avoid unnecessary and costly repairs. The interior of the Dodge Durango is spacious with ample room for both passengers and cargo. If it's going to be just you and a couple of buddies, you can fold down the rear seats for even more space. All Dodge Durango SUVs come equipped with the Uconnect multimedia system which includes a color touch screen and a plethora of apps. Many of these apps, such as SiriusXM and Google Android Auto, will provide hours of entertainment, while the GPS and navigation system make sure that you're always heading in the right direction. 2. Chrysler Pacifica If you're looking for a minivan that can carry the whole family on a trek to your favorite destination spot, then the Chrysler Pacifica is right up your alley. It has a 287-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine that uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination gives the accelerator a lot of punch while also getting good miles per gallon. On the upper trim levels of the Chrysler Pacifica, the engine can be upgraded to a hybrid for even more fuel economy. The Chrysler Pacifica can accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably and has increased legroom and headroom throughout the three rows of seats. Chrysler uses the Uconnect infotainment system in the Pacifica and has the same setup as listed above in the Durango. There is also the option to have twin rear touch-screen displays so passengers can enjoy their own multimedia experience as you head down the road. 3. Jeep Cherokee The Jeep Cherokee is a tough SUV that comes standard with a 2.4-liter, inline-4 MultiAir engine that is upgradable to a 3.2-liter V-6. With an mpg rating topping out at 29 city and 24 highway, the Cherokee will take you a long way before needing to stop at a gas station. If you are planning to take your Jeep Cherokee off-road, then the Trailblazer trim, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and an extra stocky suspension, will be perfect for you. The interior of the Jeep Cherokee has decent legroom and the rear seats fold down in case extra storage space is needed. Jeep uses the same Uconnect system as above with all the same features. These three vehicles are all well-designed to take friends or family across the country on an adventure. Make sure to check them out in detail to see which one best fits your needs. Image via Flickr by Kurisu

Driving a car is potentially one of the most dangerous things that you can do. But you can prevent problems by monitoring the following five functions. This can help you to prevent an accident, breaking down, and make sure you have a smooth ride. Oil Check Checking your oil is by far the most important weekly check you can do to keep your car running smoothly. This is an easy check that you can do yourself, simply pull out the dipstick to see where the oil level is. In more modern cars the oil gauge on the dashboard will alert you to low oil levels. more Tires Invest in a tire pressure gauge or check the pressure of your tires at the gas station. Improperly inflated tires can cause blowouts, leading to an accident and poor fuel efficiency. It is important to check your tire pressure regularly. Tires have built-in tread wear indicators. When the tread becomes even with the indicator ridges it is time to invest a new set of tires. Monitor the wear on your tires monthly by running your hand over the tread. If anything feels weird, pop down to a tire shop to have them checked. Your tires can slip or blow out if they are smooth, both of which can cause a bad accident. Lights It is very dangerous to drive if your lights aren't in good working order. Regularly check your brake lights, turn signals, headlights, and reverse lights. Functioning lights are essential to avoiding accidents. As an extra incentive remember that if you are caught with a light out on your car, you could end up getting a ticket which could mean higher car insurance. Air Filter A clogged air filter is like putting a sock over your mouth and trying to breathe. You won't get much air in and you will feel gross. Your engine feels the same way with a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter will also result in reduced gas mileage, lower horsepower, or even a stalled engine. Air filters need to be checked and changed regularly; most manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 5,000 miles. Brake Pads Good brakes are essential, so how often do your car's brake pads need to be changed? The wear on your brake pads depends on a number of factors, such as how you drive, what type of driving you do, the quality of your brake pads, the weight of your car, and the condition of the brake rotors. Brake pads need to be changed when the built-in wear indicator alerts you. There is usually a small metal tab on the brake pad which will start to screech or scrape around the brake rotor. When you hear this, it is time to change the brake pads. If you ignore this signal, you can damage your rotor, making the brake less effective, which is dangerous and could cost you more money. Keep your car driving smoothing by regularly checking these five functions. By doing this you can save fuel, money, and even your life. https://www.flickr.com/photos/29233640@N07/3285710885/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker

Wichita might be the largest city in Kansas, but you don't have to travel very far to find some exceptional wildlife. Check out these four animal-based attractions in the area if you want to trade the urban jungle for something a little wilder, even if it's only for the day. Sedgwick County Zoo Be sure to visit Wichita's most popular animal attraction, the Sedgwick County Zoo. This large facility is comprised of several different exhibits, all of which are themed after regions of the world. You can visit the Africa exhibit to see gorillas, lions, and elephants, or you can head over to the zoo's Asia habitat to see tapirs, tigers, and the adorable red panda. more The Sedgwick County Zoo also offers learning programs for different age groups, from early childhood all the way to senior citizens. You can purchase a daily ticket for about $15 or a year-long membership for about $100. Great Plains Nature Center Treat yourself to a day of environmental education by going to the Great Plains Nature Center. The main attraction here is The Koch Habitat Hall, a museum exhibit that showcases the American prairie ecosystem. The hall also has an aquarium, as well as wetland and woodland exhibits. Join one of the facility's trips into the local wilderness, where naturalists will help you discover smaller regional wildlife such as snakes, frogs, and butterflies. Whether you want to attend a specific educational program at the center or just browse its exhibits, you're sure to have a fun and informative trip. Tanganyika Wildlife Park Visit this third-largest animal collection in the state to go on a truly wild adventure. This is a family-owned zoo named after the African country of Tanzania. Naturally, there are plenty of African animals on display here. You'll see pygmy hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, and mandrills. The zoo also offers close encounters and interactive exhibits with animals such as lemurs and Indian rhinoceroses. Tanganyika Wildlife Park acts as a responsible caretaker of its animals by maintaining certification with the American Humane Conservation Program and providing its animals with enriched lives and the highest level of care. The facility is located in Goddard, just west of Wichita. Chaplin Nature Center You'll find this charming nature facility just an hour south of central Wichita. Owned and operated by the Wichita Audubon Society, this is a place for bird lovers to congregate. The center has several different educational exhibits and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as a butterfly count and stargazing program. The nature center is also surrounded by an extensive network of trails that will take you through 230 acres of dense forests, sweeping prairies, and scenic lakes. With just a little bit of luck, you'll have the opportunity to spot plenty of local bird life. The city of Wichita typically receives about 220 days of sunshine every year. Be sure to take advantage of this beautiful weather by getting outside and experiencing some of these great local animal attractions. Photo by P_Linehan | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

How would you like to cruise suburbia in the family car of the year? Named the best and most versatile vehicle in its class, it's easy to become enchanted by the feature-packed 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Your family is going to love this new baby-hauler. Here are five reasons why. Trims and Exterior Form The customizable Pacifica is available in six decked out trims, from the brand new base L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and the classy Limited. Starting at $26,995, the first reason you're going to love it is that it doesn't cost junior's college fund. You won't need to take out a second mortgage either. more Step back and run your eyes over your family's new minivan. Its crisp, sleek profile offers an attractive set of chrome roof rails on the Touring L trim. Two new colors grace Pacifica's already generous palette including copper pearl and ocean blue that will appeal to any Disney princess-in-training. The new S appearance package is turning heads with sporty black accents on the family's ride. Performance Features As we mentioned, Cars.com named the 2018 Pacifica its top pick for family cars. It has high-performance features you won't find in most minivans, such as Stow'n Go fold-flat seats that will save dad's back as well as the hands-free power liftgate. Throw in refined drivability, and you've got yourself one handy family-mover. Two separate, optional Uconnect theater entertainment systems keep boredom at bay on trips to grandma's and put the brakes on bickering over what to watch. Refreshingly intuitive controls in an updated touchscreen add teen-required connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Interior Craftsmanship Pacifica is both the tallest and widest vehicle in its class, which results in its outstanding interior roominess. Depending on how you configure the second-row seating, the Pacifica offers comfy room for seven or eight. The snazzy S package also shows up in the cabin with available black Nappa leather seats. There are four full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the little ones still in boosters. Discover more than 140 cubic feet of space with all the seats down — plenty of room for the birthday bike or a new toddler bedroom suite. Advanced Safety Features Nothing is more important than your family's safety. That's why Chrysler added its standard SafetyTec package including blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, and rear cross path detection to every trim — even the base L. Of course, the Pacifica aced the full battery of crash tests from both the NHTSA and IIHS, also winning a top safety pick award. Hybrid Powertrain Did you know the Pacifica comes in a hybrid too? With an impressive 566-mile driving range, an efficiency rating of 84 MPGe, and 33-miles of pure electric energy, this is your next-generation minivan today. The new Pacifica has a modern vibe and a fresh style. With an above average predictability score and tons of family-friendly features, what's not to love about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica? Photo by katgrigg | Licensed under cc BY 2.0