Some vehicles are going greener, but the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is ramping up its muscle, bringing enough power to make you scream. With 710 horsepower and all-wheel drive, this SUV accelerates with neck snapping brutality if you plant the gas pedal to the floor. You will be passing 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds and be on your way to a court date if you are not careful.
The noise of the V8 and supercharger whine is intoxicating for gear heads, but may be a little too loud for others. This vehicle handles the curves better than something this large should, without much body lean.
When you think of a Hellcat, you expect wild colors and a two-door muscle car. However, the Durango flies a bit under the radar in the looks department. When you pair it with Destroyer Gray paint and the optional black package it looks sportier than other Durangos. It is not until you hit the start button that you really realize there is a monster living under the hood. I like that fly-under-the radar look, but the 20-inch wheels, large brakes with red calipers and SRT badge with the Hellcat head lets onlookers know it is special.
Inside, this is a three-row family ride with seating for six. My test ride came with optional items that classed it up a bit. Higher quality Laguna leather seats, a suede headliner and some carbon fiber trim dress up the family ride. Dodge adds some humor to the easy-to-use 10.1″ touch screen NAV and HVAC controls by displaying people icons wearing helmets!
Cost: $80,995; as tested $92,690
MPG: 12 MPG City; 17 MPG Highway. I managed 11.3 mpg in 230 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $1,595 high performance Laguna leather seats; $1,995 rear DVD entertainment center; $1,845 black package; $2,495 premium interior group; $95 red seat belts; $595 second row console with armrest storage; $1,085 Harman & Kardon audio group; $495 blind-spot and cross path detection
Safety: Full speed forward collision warn plus; adaptive cruise control with stop & go; lane departure alert warning plus; automatic high beams; ParkSense front and rear with stop; advanced brake assist; blind spot and cross-path detection
Things to know: This one-year Durango is an SUV that has gone crazy with power. While a track is the best place to explore its capability, it is still a comfortable family ride that has a thirst for premium fuel.
Pros:
- Big fun with plenty of power from a supercharged V8
- Spacious and luxurious interior for the entire family
- The AWD system means you can actually get the power to the ground
Cons:
- Has a big thirst for gas and small gas tank
- Gets very pricey when you add options
- Not much small item storage if you choose the DVD entertainment center
