2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat AWD

The 2021 Dodge Durango delivers both excitement and modernized refinement thanks to its world-class suspension.

This Durango SRT is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI SRT Hellcat V8 engine, pumping up to 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque through the TorqueFlite 8HP95 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption for this mad muscle powertrain is rated at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, for a 15 mpg combined average.

Outside, flanking the grille are LED bi-functional projector headlamps that combines LED auxiliary low beam light with amber turn signal. They are functionally complemented by Automatic High-Beam Headlamp control.

The SRT Performance Hood and high-flow grille summons the attention from the surrounding. They scream “power” with the aggressive demeanor and functionally improve ariflow to ensure uncompromised performance. My test vehicle was wrapped in F8 Green Clear Coat Exterior Paint. This quality exterior rests on 20″ X 10″ Machine Face Wheels with Dark Pockets wearing Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires.

The black interior color adds seriousness to the high performance leather suede seats.

The Durango seating can be configured in more than 50 different combinations. I preferred the three rows of seating with standard second row captain chairs that provides six-passenger seating. The fold-away third row will accommodate more bulky items.

The front cabin is laid out for the driver. The flat-bottom steering wheel hosts a pair of paddle shifters with embossed Hellcat logo. However, the prominent T-handle shifter, large storage bin, and the space space taken up for a wireless charging pad leave little open storage space. The phone charging station and cup holders sit very close to each other.

The standard Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, though already the largest in its class, can be upgraded to the new 10.1-inch touchscreen to provide a 20% more screen area. The SRT Hellcat model is standard-equipped with the larger screen. The all-new Uconnect 5 software has an added touch, customized with a unique Dodge-themed black and red accents and Durango-specific features.

Dodge claims the Durango Hellcat can accelerate zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds and complete the quarter mile in an NHRA-certified elapsed time of 11.5 seconds, which is faster than any other SUV. Though I did not personally test this proclamation, I will say I have never driven a faster car except on the track at Texas Motor Speedway. Plus, this Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds, which is more than any other midsize SUV.

Durango Hellcat rides on a specially tuned suspension with adaptive dampers and the standard Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires mentioned earlier. The Hellcat also employs a powerful Brembo brake system that clamp its 15.75-inch front rotor with six-piston clippers and its 13.8-inch rear discs with four-piston binders.

This Hellcat is a creature made for speed. Though comfortable, the ride is bumpy. The engine roars outside and purrs inside, but over a period of time that purr can become challenging.

If you like the thrill of racing and want to experience the presence of power and speed, while having the size and roominess of an SUV, then the Durango Hellcat may be for you.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat starts at $80,995.

Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles Basic Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty
5 years/unlimited miles Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].