2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: Absolute Insanity

The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat may just be the most insane crossover money can buy. Sure vehicles like the Audi SQ7, Alpina XB7, and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 exist but those don’t have the same character as the Durango Hellcat. Additionally, the Durango is also one of the few mainstream crossovers that can easily tow over 8,000 pounds thanks to its three V8 engine options. There aren’t that many cues that distinguish the Hellcat from other Durango models. Other than the massive brakes, Hellcat badges, revised grille, massive air intakes and louvers, and the hood scoop, you’ll have to look hard to pick one out when it’s not running.

Like other Durango models, you have three rows of seating in the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. If you get the second-row bench, capacity is limited to six. Thankfully the front and middle seats are very comfortable for long drives. Getting to the third row is easy thanks to second-row captain’s chairs that fold and tumble forward. Once you’re back there, there are only two seats but they’re comfortable enough for a quick lunch run. With all seats up, there isn’t much cargo space; thankfully folding the third-row increases capacity significantly.

Cool interior touches on the Durango Hellcat include SRT badges on the first two rows, available red interior, and better bolstering for the front seats. The new dash layout also finds its way into the most potent model featuring the UConnect 5 interface with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system also houses the Performance Pages, which lets you customize everything from the suspension and steering to the engine, AWD system, and transmission.

Powering the Durango SRT Hellcat is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is an eight-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy ratings are 12/17/13 mpg city/highway/combined, which is totally no surprise considering the Durango Hellcat’s size and power. The tradeoff is totally bonkers acceleration. To go with that straight-line speed is excellent grip levels, especially when equipped with summer tires. Keep in mind that the Durango doesn’t shrink around the driver meaning it drives as big as it looks. Yes, it handles well but it’s not as polished as other SUVs with similar power but priced higher. It’s not an uncontrollable brick by any means, it’s just a bit more raucous. All that’s needed to reel in the power and give the crossover a little more civility are wider tires. The adaptive dampers provide a nice balance between ride and handling, making the Durango Hellcat just a little bit more livable.

The fact that you can get this much power and performance out of a three-row family crossover is downright insane. Sure, there are similarly sized luxury vehicles with nearly the same power levels but they’re more expensive and still short in the horsepower department by at least 80 to 100 hp or more than that. In short, the Durango Hellcat answers a question not many people asked for and that’s a good thing. It’s one of those rare vehicles that’s downright crazy in every way, and that’s a good thing!

If you’re looking to get a 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, you won’t be able to get one. Why is that? Emissions regulations. The Durango and outgoing Jeep Grand Cherokee’s emissions system don’t meet the newer standard. Dodge has also filled all the order books for this Durango variant meaning it’s effectively sold out.

0 to 60 mph: 3.4 seconds
60 to 0: 110 feet
Handling: A-
Ride: B
Cabin Noise: B
Fuel Economy: D