2021 Dodge Durango SRT Introduction: The New Hauler

The day has come to say hello to the new 2021 Dodge Durango that’s replacing the 2018 model. After the lease finished, Alex went ahead and bought the older car outright and sold it to Carvana. We will have a video on the selling process later. So, what’s different between the two Durangos beyond the engine under the hood? Quite a lot actually so let’s break it down and see!

Alex bought the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT because he ended liking the outgoing 2018 model he had for three years a lot more than he expected. As a result, it was a no-brainer to get another one for his towing needs. With 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque from its 6.4-liter V8, the Durango SRT has a lot of power on tap for hauling and pulling payload, especially with the eight-speed automatic transmission’s more advantageous gear ratios. With 8,700 pounds maximum capacity and integrated trailer brake assist, the hot Durango model was the ideal choice because it had the capability and didn’t have the same footprint as a full-size truck or SUV. This means people living down narrow roads like Alex will have an easier time maneuvering their vehicles and whatever they’re pulling through their driveways and streets.

Most of the changes for the 2021 Durango are cosmetic. The old crosshair grille has been replaced by a new one more reminiscent of the Charger and Challenger, and the headlight clusters have a different pattern. Dodge also changed the lower part of the front bumper, giving the car LED fog light strips instead of halogen bulbs like in the outgoing car. Under the skin, however, the Durango retains the same old Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform as before, meaning this, along with the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 have some of the oldest bones out of any modern car.

Inside, you see all the major changes in the Durango thanks to the new dash layout. The centerpiece is the UConnect 5 interface, which is the latest version of the brand’s familiar interface. This gets you a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and a slightly revised layout for the physical controls. The new car also has a two-tone red and black interior and red seat belts. Alex opted not to get the second-row center console to avoid scuffing it when carrying bulky objects.

For its size, the Dodge Durango is surprisingly versatile and it’s one of the only vehicles in its segment that can haul significant amounts of payload. A lower center of gravity and an adaptive suspension gives the Durango more stability when carrying or pulling heavy objects. The best part is that the Durango SRT is also incredibly fun to drive because that engine can move this beast without much effort. It has more power than it has any right to have, giving it the speed to go with its distinctive growl.

Later on, a review of the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT will follow this overview of the new car showing off what’s different from Alex’s older model. Don’t forget to look out for the next video detailing the purchase process and selling a car to Carvana.