Dodge has made the surprising decision to bring back the Durango Hellcat for another year, even though it was originally meant to be discontinued after 2021. The Durango Hellcat is a force to be reckoned with, equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, offers an impressive 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. While it falls short of the Charger and Challenger Hellcat models, the Durango Hellcat still delivers a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine and obnoxious supercharger whine.
Unlike some other high-performance SUVs, the Durango Hellcat is taking performance seriously. It achieves a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system that provides excellent traction. The suspension is firm, providing stability and composure, but it can be harsh, especially for a large SUV. However, the Durango Hellcat makes up for its ride comfort compromise with its impressive handling. It stays planted and grips the road like glue, allowing for confident cornering and maneuvering a force to be reckoned with.
The Durango Hellcat’s performance is not limited to straight-line speed. It offers excellent braking capabilities with its massive Brembo brake system, providing reassurance during aggressive driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission offers quick shifts and delivers a satisfying exhaust note during upshifts and downshifts.
Inside, the Durango Hellcat offers a luxurious cabin with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and various optional features. The seats are comfortable and supportive, resembling those found in the Charger and Challenger Hellcat models. However, it should be noted that the Durango Hellcat is not cheap, with a starting price of $95,200 and our tested model reaching $108,690.
The Durango Hellcat stands out from its competitors, such as the Cadillac Escalade-V, by prioritizing performance and handling. While Cadillac chose a muscle car approach for the Escalade-V, Dodge focused on delivering a performance SUV with race track-inspired suspension tuning. Both options have their advantages, and the Durango Hellcat offers a unique and thrilling driving experience in taking performance seriously.
However, the Durango Hellcat’s days are numbered. It wasn’t initially planned to continue beyond 2021, and owners of the previous model have even filed lawsuits against its existence. After the 2023 production run, there will be no more Durango Hellcats. So, if you’re in the market for a massive SUV that offers both power and handling capabilities, the Durango Hellcat is a force to be reckoned with and a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. You can order yours here.