Durango one ‘hell’ of a ride
Hellcat motor and powertrain push SRT over the top
By now, you have probably read a lot about various vehicles in an exorbitant amount of categories. What we enjoy is the ability to test vehicles in categories with a slight twist, meaning either better performance or more luxury, or even options and packages that are a good value for the consumer.
This week in the Grasso’s Garage stable is Dodge’s newly redesigned Durango SRT, which comes from recently created Stellantis, formerly known as FCA — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, easily our favorite manufacturer as it builds vehicles for all types of consumers with endless personalization options to make your new vehicle specifically designed and appear just the way you like it.
But this isn’t like the 2020 SRT we tested last year, this one comes with the insane Hellcat motor and powertrain. This combination is what makes us continue to love what Stellantis is all about. The Durango SRT Hellcat is not only a sevenpassenger SUV, but one that can do zero-to-60 in 3.5 seconds. This confirms this family-hauling, speed-loving machine is for real.
In the powertrain comes all the fun; this 6.2-liter V8 engine empowers 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. It makes this seven-passenger beast one of the fastest in its class, but there is a catch.
The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is the only year it
will be produced, so if you have ever thought of this being in your stable, you better act now.
Our green exterior was different but gorgeous as it really separated itself from Durango brethren. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters were present. Did we mention it is also allwheel-drive? Just another feather in the already full hat.
On the 2021 model year SRT, we noticed a slight exterior upgrade in a new front fascia, a revised grille, LED headlamps, and a twopiece SRT Hellcat splitter. They also eliminated the fog lamps for more engine airflow. The available UConnect 5, 10.1-inch touchscreen was similar to that in our recently tested Chrysler Pacifica while the 8.4-inch is standard. I love the UConnect and in the Durango, the font is italicized, an even better reason to continue the love.
I can’t say enough for the
“green goblin” as locals nearby call it. It is a firebreathing, people moving, fun-loving SUV with so many abilities, that you can use it for just about everything. For those family people who can only have one vehicle but love the speed, you better get yours quick, because this one-year wonder won’t last long.