Handsome and sporty, the Dodge Durango SUV features impressive utility and best-in-class available towing. Its three-row cabin is roomy and comfortable, and options include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. High-performance SRT trims are faster than many sports cars. Some SUVs have better fuel economy and more driver safety technology, but few can match the Durango’s raw power and personality.
2021 Durango SRT Hellcat Specs: Horsepower: 710 hp MSRP: From $80,995 MPG: 12 city / 17 highway 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 SRT Engine Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic 8HP95 Transmission Curb weight: 5,710 lbs Towing capacity: 8,700 lbs Seating capacity: 5, 6, 7 Exterior Color: Reactor Blue Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint Interior Black High Performance Leather / Suede Seats
Dodge builds its three-row Durango SUV in eight trims: SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, R/T, Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat.
Pricing starts around $32,000 with rear-wheel-drive, and standard features include automatic headlights, fog lamps, heated power mirrors, cloth upholstery, a split-folding second-row, keyless entry/ignition, tri-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a USB port. Available features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8.4-inch display, satellite radio, a household-style power outlet, a folding third-row, driver’s seat memory, a power driver’s seat, and rear parking sensors.
The luxurious Citadel trim retails for about $48,000. It comes with a full suite of driver safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, TomTom navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a heavy-duty trailer towing package, Nappa leather upholstery, heated/cooled front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, an Alpine premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof.
The approximately $45,500 R/T has a similar feature set, plus a more powerful engine and a sport-tuned suspension. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the recently-added SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat trims, which retail around $63,000 and $81,000, respectively. These Durangos include high-performance engines, limited-slip differentials, standard all-wheel-drive, unique styling, and rear spoilers.
Most of the Durango lineup is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is available for about $2,500 extra.
The EPA estimates fuel economy of 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined. It will tow 6,200 pounds. The R/T trim is where driving performance starts getting serious. Under the hood is a 5.7-liter V8 producing 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
The difference in power from the V6 is evident while driving, and the R/T has quick acceleration and is sporty to drive. It has steering wheel paddle shifters, should the need arise to change gears manually. Fuel economy takes a decent hit, at 14/22/17 mpg. This motor is also available in the luxurious Durango Citadel trim.
Next is the SRT 392’s 6.4-liter V8, a 392-cubic-inch Hemi motor making 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It’s estimated to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, completing the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. Both the SRT 392 and the SRT Hellcat have a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.
The SRT Hellcat features a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V8 paired with a quick eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful mainstream SUV ever built.
According to Dodge, it’ll accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds — numbers comparable to a sports car in a three-row family SUV.
The Dodge Durango is an excellent choice for families needing extra seating space and towing strength and those who want a sports car’s speed in a large SUV. Its handsome styling and powerful available engines provide a rugged appeal, though car-like competitors have more standard driver safety aids and a better fuel economy. The SRT trim levels offer a larger towing capacity and more straight-line speed than any other three-row SUV. It’s not as modern as newer crossovers, but the Dodge Durango is a tough SUV with timeless style and powerful performance.
