Daily Drive Brief: Dodge’s Next Durango Goes Full Charger, and a “007” Toll Trick Goes Bust

Sunday mornings are for coffee, a quiet road, and a little car gossip. Today’s two-parter delivers both the big-picture family news from Dodge and a small, cautionary tale from the “don’t try this at home” file.

First Look Vibes: 2029 Dodge Durango Picks Up Charger Cues

There’s a fresh ripple in the Dodge universe: the next-gen Durango is said to be cribbing the Charger’s squared-jaw swagger—and it weirdly suits the three-row bruiser. Think full-width lighting, broader shoulders, and a bolder face that looks less “family shuttle” and more “family muscle.” As someone who’s hustled a Durango SRT through a mountain pass in questionable weather (and smugly watched snowbound crossovers in the mirror), this direction makes sense. The Durango has always worn a gym membership under a hoodie; now it sounds like it’s ready to take the hoodie off.

What I noticed when I first drove the latest Charger is how modern the surfacing feels without losing the retro bite—slab sides, a planted stance, and that unmistakable light signature. Translating that DNA to an SUV could give the Durango the visual cohesion it’s lacked since the last refresh. Practicality by day, flex at night. It works.

What We Can Reasonably Expect

• Design harmony with the Charger: a cleaner front end, more squared-off shoulders, and a bolder rear light bar.
• A cockpit that leans driver-focused with big screens and physical controls where it counts. The current Uconnect is friendly, but on frosty mornings I’ve had the odd touchscreen hesitation—polish here would be welcome.
• Powertrains: Dodge won’t spill it yet, but the brand’s current direction suggests a mix of electrified and turbocharged options alongside any remaining V8 theatrics. Towing credibility needs to remain—Durango owners live by trailers and long weekends.
• Three-row packaging that actually works: The outgoing Durango’s third row is usable for kids and short hops; tightening up access and cargo floor height would be a big win.

When I last lived with a Durango for a week—school runs, hardware-store lumber, quick freeway slogs—I liked how it felt unbothered by weight. You can load it up with people and ski gear, point it up I-70, and it just shrugs. If the new styling adds presence without bloating the body, that’s the sweet spot.

Charger-to-Durango: The Design Hand-Me-Downs

Buyer Take: Why the Next Durango Matters

• It’s one of the few three-row SUVs that still feels genuinely muscular—great for towing toys or tackling high-altitude road trips without drama.
• Charger cues should give it a consistent brand identity—useful when you want the family car to still feel like a Dodge.
• If electrified options arrive, watch for improved efficiency around town without losing the highway stamina that makes the Durango such a low-stress hauler.

Wishlist from the driver’s seat: quieter road noise at 75 mph, a bit more second-row storage, and a smarter place to stash a household charging cable if a plug-in variant gets the green light. Also: child-seat anchors you can reach without becoming a yoga person.

Meanwhile, in “Don’t Do This”: A 007-Style Toll Dodger Gets Caught

You’ve heard the stories: someone tries a James Bond gadget to beat tolls—think plate concealment or some gizmo that hides digits—and gets away with it… until they don’t. That’s the latest cautionary fable doing the rounds. It’s clever until the cameras (or a patient trooper) piece the pattern together. Then it’s fines, potential charges, and a very unglamorous day in traffic court.

Two notes from the real world: I’ve watched toll plazas upgrade quietly—better angles, sharper image capture, cross-referenced timestamps. And while a movie prop can look slick on Instagram, the legal and safety downside is enormous. If you’re spending energy outsmarting infrastructure, you’re having the wrong kind of car fun. Put that creativity into a great back-road route or a well-packed roof box for the ski trip instead.

The Takeaway

• Obscuring plates is illegal in most jurisdictions and not worth the drama.
• Toll-tech is smarter than it used to be; the house usually wins.
• Save the gadgets for dash cams, tire inflators, and a proper torque wrench.

Bottom Line

Dodge leaning into a Charger-flavored Durango feels like the right kind of brand discipline—give the family SUV real presence, keep the capability, and modernize the cabin. As for the “007” toll hack? The only thing it steals is your time and money. Drive the long way. It’s more fun anyway.

FAQ

• When is the new Durango expected?
  Timelines haven’t been formally announced. The latest chatter points toward the next generation arriving later in the decade.
• Will the next Durango go electric?
  Dodge hasn’t detailed powertrains yet. Given the brand’s current direction, hybrid or electrified variants are plausible alongside performance-focused options.
• How will it differ from the current Durango?
  Expect a stronger family resemblance to the Charger—cleaner lines, a more assertive front/rear signature, and a tech-forward interior—while keeping three-row practicality and towing credibility.
• Is using a device to obscure your license plate legal?
  Generally no—most jurisdictions explicitly prohibit plate covers, flippers, sprays, or any obstruction. Penalties can include fines and additional charges.
• Should I wait to buy a Durango?
  If you need a three-row SUV now and value towing and long-distance comfort, the current model is a solid choice. If you want the newest styling and likely updated tech, waiting could pay off.