2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

Overview

The 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat has room for six passengers in its cabin and 710 horses under its hood, making it one of the world’s quickest ways to ferry the kids to school. The Durango’s supersized powertrain is accompanied by a bulging body with styling inspired by Dodge’s muscle cars. All-wheel drive is standard, and the Durango SRT Hellcat offers a surprising amount of cornering grip for its size, which adds to its thrill-ride persona. The cabin is spacious and nicely equipped, with upper trims equipped with near-luxury levels of features and amenities. The 8700-pound towing capacity allows the Durango SRT Hellcat to pull double duty as a big-toy hauler and adds an unexpected layer of practicality considering its performance potential.

What’s New for 2023?

Dodge’s most powerful SUV is back by popular demand for the 2023 model year after taking a hiatus last year. Again powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, it now features new Plus and Premium trims, which each add luxury features such as leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and premium audio equipment.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base

$84,000 (est)

Plus

$88,000 (est)

Blacktop

$92,000 (est)

$96,000 (est)

We think the Durango SRT Hellcat’s asking price is steep but buyers disagreed the last time it was offered; Dodge sold out all of the 2021 models and says there was enough interest to justify bringing the hot SUV back for 2023. Our 2023 model of choice would be optioned without the available gaudy stripes but we would upgrade to the Pirelli P Zero summer tires for maximum performance. The available 19-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is also a great way to drown out the omnipresent supercharger whine, so we’d go with the Premium trim, which includes that stereo plus a leather-wrapped dashboard, and carbon-fiber interior trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

There’s a monster of an engine hiding underneath the bulging and vented hood. It’s a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that summons 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. This earth-shattering power is directed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hellcat engine exhales through an enhanced exhaust system that amplifies its thunder. That soundtrack mixes with the unmistakable whine of its massive supercharger, but we wish the blower didn’t also squeal at low rpm. The version we tested launched to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds (matching a 797-hp Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye we tested) and cleared the quarter-mile in 12.0 seconds at 115 mph. Plus, it’s capable of towing 8700 pounds, which is more than any other mid-size crossover SUV. The Hellcat Durango rides on a specially tuned suspension with adaptive dampers and 20-inch-by-10-inch wheels with standard Pirelli all-season tires or optional Pirelli P Zero three-season tires. Equipped with the latter, our example demonstrated surprisingly taut body control and 0.87 g of cornering grip. The top-dog Durango also employs a powerful Brembo brake system that clamps its 15.75-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers and its 13.8-inch rear discs with four-piston binders. These stoppers hauled the 5334-pound down from 70 mph in just 165 feet.

More on the Durango SRT Hellcat SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the Durango SRT Hellcat will earn a measly 12 mpg in the city and a not-so-impressive 17 mpg on the highway. Once we have the opportunity to test the 700-plus-hp family hauler on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Hellcat Durango has a driver-centric layout that looks similar to the dashboard on the Dodge Charger and Challenger. The super SUV’s gauge cluster features exclusive red accents, and its flat-bottom steering wheel hosts a pair of paddle shifters as well as an SRT logo that has red backlighting. The Hellcat model also comes standard with heated and ventilated seats and Nappa leather upholstery, which includes microsuede inserts on the front cushions. The cabin can also be upgraded with Laguna leather that comes in a black and Demonic Red color scheme with embossed Hellcat logos. The center console contains a pair of cupholders, a prominent T-handle shifter, a capacious storage bin, and space for a wireless charging pad. The Durango provides comfortable accommodations and a foldaway third row. Models we’ve tested in the past have held an impressive amount of carry-on suitcases, too, with the ability to swallow four bags behind the backmost row and up to 26 with the second and third rows stowed.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Its infotainment system runs through a large 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports the company’s latest Uconnect 5 software. The interface is primarily manipulated via touch inputs, but there’s also a rotary volume and tuning knob built into the climate-control panel below. The addition of Amazon Alexa functionality allows expanded voice commands, and the system also allows two Bluetooth devices to be simultaneously connected. Other popular features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The Durango can also be equipped with a rear entertainment system that features a pair of 9.0-inch screens mounted on the back of the front seats.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The mightiest Durango is available with a handful of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, but other mid-size SUVs offer more than the mere basics that are available here. For more information about the Durango SRT Hellcat’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard rear automated emergency braking Standard automatic high-beam headlights Available front automated emergency braking

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Dodge offers the bare minimum when it comes to its limited and powertrain warranty. Likewise, the company doesn’t offer any type of complimentary maintenance, unlike rivals from Hyundai and Toyota.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED

$89,665 (base price: $82,490)

ENGINE TYPE

supercharged and intercooled pushrod 16-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection

Displacement

376 in3, 6166 cm3

Power

710 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque

640 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented, grooved disc/13.8-in vented disc

Tires: Pirelli P Zero Runflat, 295/45ZR-20 (110Y)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 119.8 in

Length: 200.8 in

Width: 76.4 in

Height: 69.8 in

Passenger volume: 142 ft3

Cargo volume: 17 ft3

Curb weight: 5334 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 3.6 sec

100 mph: 8.9 sec

130 mph: 16.0 sec

150 mph: 23.9 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.2 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.3 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.6 sec

1/4 mile: 12.0 sec @ 115 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft

Braking, 100–0 mph: 323 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 12 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)

Combined/city/highway: 13/11/17 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs