Text by Tom Appel
2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Color: Destroyer Gray
Miles driven: 181
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | A+ |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | D |
| Value | C- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 710-Horsepower 6.2-liter |
| Engine Type | Supercharged V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Observed fuel economy: 11.6 mpg
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 12/17/13 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Snow Performance: N/A
Base price: $91,185 (not including $1595 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($595), Premium Package ($10,900), Black Package ($1995), 3-season performance tires ($595)
Price as tested: $106,665
Pros and Cons
The great: Thundering power
The good: Roomy and comfortable cabin, plenty of cargo space
The not so good: Stiff ride, predictably poor fuel economy
Overview
Dodge has been selling crazy for more than a decade now. The last Dodge product that wasn’t overtly extraverted in design and character was the unloved Journey small crossover, and it disappeared after the 2020 model year. With the Journey gone, Dodge was left with a tidy lineup comprised only of the Challenger sporty coupe, Charger large sedan, and Durango crossover.
Engines
While the midsize Durango crossover wasn’t always crazy, Dodge took care of that beginning in 2019. Dodge’s excellent 3-row people move has always impressed us with its “tweener” midsize/large size, general refinement, and powertrain performance. But, sporty it was not. At least not until 2019.
For ’19, Dodge rolled out the Durango SRT 392 (SRT being the performance arm of Dodge parent company Stellantis). While mainstream Durangos made due with a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or 360-horse 5.7-liter V8, the 392 packed a throbbing 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 under its faux-scooped hood.
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Coupled with suspension upgrades and unique trim elements, the Durango SRT 392 was the ultimate Durango, and worthy member of the Dodge circle of crazy. Turns out, the ‘392 was only the penultimate Durango, as Dodge had a trump card—or trump crossover—up its sleeve.
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Features
New for 2021, the Durango SRT Hellcat represented a serious performance upgrade over the 392, which remained available. Packing a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, the SRT Hellcat boasted 710 horsepower and claimed 3.6-second 0-60 mph performance.
In addition to the engine, upgraded suspension, and unique trim elements, the Durango SRT Hellcat includes SRT’s “Digital Pages,” which record and log performance driving data, and can be especially useful in a closed-course track environment.
Prices and Trim Levels
After skipping the 2022 model year, the SRT Hellcat returns for 2023, positioned atop a Durango lineup that starts with the $42,000 SXT, and ascends through SXT Plus, GT, GT plus, GT Premium, R/T, Citadel, R/T Hemi Orange, R/T Plus, R/T Premium, SRT 392, SRT 392 Plus, SRT 392 Premium, SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Plus, and SRT Hellcat Premium trim levels. All are fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all are available with AWD. SRT models are offered only with AWD.
Consumer Guide recently spent time with a 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat fitted with the Black Package décor group and 2XY Premium Package. Note that since our test vehicle was built, the Premium Package has been discontinued and most of the equipment made standard. A commensurate increase in the vehicle’s base price followed. The adjustments effectively reduced the price of the Durango SRT Hellcat by about $5000. Note that that few, if any, changes are in store for the 2024 Durango Hellcat–which is likely the last we’ll see of the of this rambunctious ‘Cat.
While there is much to fault about a vehicle this committed to high-performance fun, there is also much to appreciate. Here we share five cool things about the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat.
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5 Cool Things about the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
It’s Fun
Fun is highly subjective, but if you’ve invested $100,000 in Durango futures, there’s a solid chance you’re onboard with what makes the SRT Hellcat so entertaining. Yes, the ride is a firm, and yes, the big Dodge crossovers is loud when pushed, but for most owners, feeling connected to the road and hearing the supercharger whine is the whole point.
With 710 horsepower on tap, the Durango SRT Hellcat moves out like no large SUV should, and It produces just about the right amount of engine and exhaust noise in doing so. Note: You can dial back the start-up throttle blip/exhaust noise by selecting the quiet mode via the touch screen. For folks who navigate quiet neighborhoods in the early morning or late evening, this seems like a good idea.
It’s Functional
Despite its brawny demeanor, the Durango SRT Hellcat is still a Durango, and that means that there’s plenty of space for 5 passengers, and a little extra space for 2 more folks in the way back. There’s also plenty of cargo space when the 3rd-row bench is folded away.
It’s Comfortable
Apart from the ride quality, which is relatively firm—though never harsh—compared to lesser Durangos, the SRT Hellcat offers up plenty of long-trip room and comfort. Passengers will enjoy an open and airy cabin with plenty of glass area, and despite all the mechanical madness, the cabin does quiet down at cruising speed. Oh, and the standard Harman/Kardon audio system is excellent.
It’s Capable
With standard AWD and a stout 8700-pound towing capacity, the Durango SRT Hellcat is more than a high-performance pretty face. And, some bonus good news: The standard Pirelli Verde Zero tires found on the Durango SRT Hellcat are four-season rated, which means you won’t have to swap to winter tires when the snow starts falling. Note that high-performance “three-season” tires are optionally available.
It’s Collectible
Never take investment advice from an auto journalist. That said, we’re pretty sure the Durango SRT Hellcat will prove to be a fairly low-volume offering, and much sought after in a few years once the industry has completely electrified. Consider this, while high-powered variants of the Dodge Challenger and Charger have been available for more than a decade, SRT Durango models are relatively new to the market, and will reportedly be sunsetted after the 2024 model year. And, even if the SRT Durangos aren’t investment grade, they are unlikely to depreciate much.
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2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Pictures
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