The Dodge Durango has been in production since 1998. The current generation has been around since 2011, which means it's one of the oldest still on the market. However, Dodge give it lots of little tweaks and updates over the years to make it compete both visually and performance-wise. The latter is especially true now that the Durango got its own Hellcat treatment, along with a roaring 707-horsepower V8.
The changes in the new model include a new front-end design, a new rear-end design, some new lighting, a few interior upgrades, and a 710 hp V8. This makes the Durango Hellcat the most powerful 3 row SUV, with the next option being the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 with 603 hp.
10Limited Run
The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the first Hellcat branded SUV. It’s also among the fastest SUVs you can buy. The Durango Hellcat will only be in production for one year, with only 2,000 units available. According to Dodge, all the 2,000 limited units are sold out, and the order books officially closed.
However, Dodge has reserved a few units for dealers, thus providing some hope to anyone who wants to get one. With the limited run, Dodge ensures that all Durango Hellcats remain sought after and an exceptional model.
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93rd Row Option
The Durango Hellcat features a three-row option to offer more people one Hellcat of a ride. This muscle SUV is a masterwork that’s built to conquer the streets of America. The Durango Hellcat is the best three tow SUV in the market regarding comfort and performance.
The Durango Hellcat might be the perfect fit if your entire family is about performance. The three-row seats provide the best comfort while handling a decent amount of cargo. Folding either the third or second row can give you ample space to fit an entire house.
Related: Here’s Why The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Is An SUV Like We’ll Never See Again
8All-Wheel Drive
The Durango Hellcat has an impressive performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system. The system works depending on the selected driving mode. For example, in Auto Drive Mode, the torque split is 40% to the front and 60% to the rear. In Sports Mode, the split is 35% to the front and 65% to the rear.
However, you get to enjoy the best performance with the Track Mode. The mode offers 30% to the front and 70% to the rear for enhanced handling and acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system in the Hellcat outperforms all performance SUVs in the market.
7Supercar-Rivaling Performance
The Hellcat features a monster engine behind the vented and bulging hood. It’s a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI SRT V8 that generates 645 lb-ft of torque and 710 hp. This power is split in all four wheels through the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Hellcat engine is coupled with an enhanced exhaust system that mixes with the supercharger whine. This engine is capable of a 3.4 seconds 0 to 60 mph time and a 180-mph top speed. The Durango Hellcat also features SRT brakes with six pistons at the front and four pistons at the rear.
Related: 2022 Dodge Durango: Costs, Facts, And Figures
6Ride Quality
The ride quality of the Durango Hellcat is unmatched with internal rebound springs. These springs help give the SUV better performance than the BMW X6M and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. These springs also ensure that the ride isn’t too stiff.
The performance of the suspension means that there is minimal body lead through the corners. For a three-row SUV, you can tear a track and enjoy the canyons while feeling like you are in a supercar. The adaptive suspension means that the SUV can handle all aggressive corners with finesse and agility.
5Exterior Features
Dodge did more than add a 710hp V8 when creating the Dodge Durango Hellcat. All new Durango models have a revised front end with slimmer headlights to make it more modern. The Hellcat takes it further with an SRT front fascia featuring the performance hood, a high airflow grille, and a little lip spoiler.
The Hellcat has giant dual exhausts and a rear spoiler on the back. The rear spoiler helps provide 150 lbs. of downforce at 180 mph. Besides, you get to enjoy 20-inch wheels and integrated Hellcat badges. The Durango Hellcat also features 11 magnificent metallic paint options.
Related: The 9 Most Affordable V8-Powered SUVs 2021
4Interior Features
The Durango Hellcat features a driver-centric layout. The dashboard looks similar to that on the Dodge Challenger and Charger. The SUV gauge cluster has exclusive red accents, and the beefy flat-bottom steering wheel has a pair of SRT paddle shifters.
The Hellcat comes standard with Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats with microsuede inserts. The center console hosts the large 10.1 infotainment touchscreen supporting the latest Uconnect 5 firmware. The interface mostly features touch inputs with tactical buttons for climate control.
3Price
The Durango Hellcat is a performance-oriented SUV that demands a steep price compared to the other Durango models. The Hellcat model starts at $81,390 or $1,097 monthly installments. However, extra options like the 19 Harman Kardon speaker system, power sunroof, technology group, rear DVD entertainment center, and the black package can increase the price.
The price of the Hellcat seems reasonable with most buyers, especially when it’s compared to its competition. For example, the X5M costs about $105,100, while the Mercedes AMG GLE 63s costs a whopping $113,950. Its closest 3-row competitor, the Mercedes AMG GLS 63, costs $132,100.
Related: Dodge Durango Hellcat Gets Widebody West Coast Customs Rendering
2Towing Capacity
The Durango Hellcat has a mean, angry look that shows in its performance. The beastly 6.2-liter V8 not only helps move the SUV from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds but also helps with its towing capabilities. The Durango Hellcat is the SUV that you can use to tow your race car to the track and still rip it in the track.
The Durango Hellcat has an 8,700 pounds towing capacity, and that’s thanks to the performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system. The system helps manage power between the rear and the front wheels, thus ensuring that the SUV has plenty of torque even when towing.
1Technology
The Durango Hellcat is available in a handful of standard and optional technology. There is baked-in navigation with access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The navigation options provide simple search functions with easy to parse directional cues.
The Durango Hellcat also features a technology group pack that features lane departure warning plus, full-speed forward collision warning plus, advanced brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. These are optional features that will only cost you an additional $2,395.
Red And Black Key: Dodge SRT Hellcat Models' Two-Key System Explained Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorBrian Nyambura(9 Articles Published)
Brian is a freelance writer, tech, and automotive junkie. He loves both cars and motorcycles. He's also an F1 fan.
