This post could have just as easily been “480 Cool Things about the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT 392.” That would have counted each of its 475 horsepower and five other cool things of some sort.
Until the supercharged 710-horse Hellcat came out this year, the SRT 392 was the rortiest Durango that Dodge saw fit to make. If the 235-horsepower gap between them seems immense—it’s as much as the turbocharged 4-cylinder in a Lexus NX 300 makes—it’s nothing compared to the price chasm. At $64,490 with delivery to start, the 392 is exactly $18,000 less than the Hellcat. Hand that much money to a Kia salesman and he’ll give you back a Rio S hatchback and 15 bucks in change.
Both Durangos are loud, hard-riding, and exceptionally thirsty—in the 392 I averaged 13.5 mpg from a 152-mile stint composed of 50 percent city-type driving. But their appearance is virtually the same inside and out, and according to Dodge the difference in 0-60-mph times is just 0.9 second.
Strength in numbers
The SRT 392’s naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8 puts out its 475 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4300 revs. It is power that makes itself felt instantly and then keeps building. Dodge reports 60 mph from rest in 4.4 seconds. Towing capacity is 8700 pounds—the same as the Hellcat.
New view
Revised front-end styling includes a different headlight signature and a reshaped bumper and lower intake. Except for the Hellcat’s own aero splitter, wheel style, rear valance panel, and logos, the two hottest Durangos could almost pass for twins. They share a hood with a functional scoop, body-color wheel-lip moldings and rocker-panel aero extensions, and bright dual-exhaust tips.
The inside story
A next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen in is new for ’21. It’s intuitive and direct to operate, and audio operation benefits from external tuning and volume knobs. The redesigned instrument panel shows Challenger influences, and the center console has been reworked to accommodate a wireless charging pad. Leather-and-suede sport seats are practically identical to those in the Hellcat.
Owning the road
The SRT’s sacrifices in ride comfort really are trade-offs for better handling, steering, and braking. The SRT button on the instrument panel accesses driving modes with configurable suspension and steering settings. Substantial Brembo-brand disc brakes halt this bad boy with reassuring rapidity.
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Roomy rocket
Head- and legroom are ample in the front two rows. The SRT has standard second-row captain’s chairs that fold and tilt for access to the third row, which has legroom and cushion height that adults will find acceptable.
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Holding the bottom line
Believe it or not, the 2021 Durango SRT 392 has the same starting price as the ’20 model did.
| 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 | 475-hp 6.4-liter |
| Engine Type | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
2021 Dodge Durango SRT 392
Class: Large SUV
Miles driven: 233
Fuel used: 18.0 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 12.9
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 13/19/15 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas required
Base price: $62,995 (not including $1495 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Technology Group ($2395), Trailer-Tow Group IV ($1195), Premium Interior Group ($2495), 19 Harman Kardon amped speakers with subwoofer ($995), Pirelli P-Zero 3-season tires ($595), Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection ($495)
Price as tested: $72,660
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2021 Dodge Durango SRT 392 Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images)
