2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat AWD: A POV Look
This isn't your dads Durango!
SUV side photo
Over the years, Dodge has pumped up engine power under the hood of their Durango SUV. The latest offering was the SRT 392 with a healthy 475 horsepower spinning in a supercharged 6.4 liter V-8. Now they have taken it to the next level with this long waited Hellcat version.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
ENGINE
Under the hood is a healthy 710 horsepower and 470 lbs/ft of torque. The claimed 0-60 mph time is 3.7 seconds. this is attached to an all-wheel-drive unit providing a 40/60 split in normal mode, or 35/65 in the sport setting. Fuel economy is listed at 12/17 mpg.
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WHEELS
The biggest problem with Hellcat cars is the lack of traction on public pavement. Even with launch/traction control, wheel spin smokes the tires when racing from a stop. The Durango solved this issue. First, it has large 20x10 inch wheels with 295/45ZR 20 tires. Secondly, the AWD gives plenty of traction and assures that wheel spin is limited, even if not using the excellent launch control unit. Right off the bat, we saw 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with 12.3 quarter mile. This is impressive for a 5,600-pound vehicle.
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HELLCAT EMBLEM
While performance of this Durango is fantastic, it didn't get much attention of the street. The only visual clue this is the upgraded model is the Hellcat emblem on the body work. Racing stripes are an option for those who want to be noticed, but we did not get those.
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INFO SCREEN
This central command offers various modes for steering, suspension, traction, shifting, and more. The 3-mode Bilstein suspension is controlled from here.
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CARGO
How many muscle cars have three-row seating for the family and their gear? We also get a real spare tire, but under the body, outside.
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POV
The Durango is a pleasant highway cruiser, so we took it on many long trips. Real-world fuel economy was 15 mpg.
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OFF ROAD
Yes, the Durango Hellcat can be taken in the dirt. Its AWD provides plenty of traction in sand, and the suspension sucks up impacts with ease. There is plenty of room for camping gear too.
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FRONT END
While this Hellcat can play in the dirt, there is a lot of overhang in the front, so the driver must pay attention when entering dips or running over large rocks. This is an SUV, not a RAM truck!
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PRICE
While the Durango is not cheap to buy, it is priced way below what comparable European performance SUV's cost. In that respect, it's really a bargain.
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DURANGO
If you want a performance machine that can haul the family around, the Durango Hellcat is hard to beat.
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For help keeping your truck running right, check out the how-to section of DodgeForum.com.