Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: Insane performance vs poor fuel economy

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat stands as a monument to unbridled American muscle in SUV form. At its core beats a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, pumping out an astonishing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. This isn't just any powerplant—it's the same ferocious Hellcat engine that has terrorized drag strips in Chargers and Challengers, now crammed into a three-row family hauler.

The supercharger whine builds to a scream as boost kicks in, delivering instant, overwhelming thrust. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, power is distributed seamlessly to all four wheels. The result? Mind-bending acceleration that defies the vehicle's size and weight.

• 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds

• Quarter-mile in around 11.5 seconds (NHRA-certified)

• Top speed electronically limited to 180 mph

For a vehicle tipping the scales at over 5,500 pounds, these figures are nothing short of absurd. It outpaces many dedicated sports cars while offering seating for up to seven and impressive towing capability of 8,700 pounds.

Acceleration That Defies Physics

Step on the throttle, and the Durango SRT Hellcat launches forward with violent urgency. Launch control optimizes tire grip and torque delivery, minimizing wheelspin for repeatable, straight-line dominance. The all-wheel-drive system ensures traction is maximized, even on imperfect surfaces.

In real-world driving, merging onto highways becomes an exhilarating event. Passing slower traffic requires mere fractions of throttle input, with the SUV surging ahead effortlessly. The torque curve is flat and massive, providing explosive pull from low rpm all the way to redline.

Owners and testers alike describe the sensation as addictive—the kind of performance that turns mundane commutes into thrill rides. Yet, this raw power comes with sophisticated drive modes, including Track, Sport, and Eco, allowing drivers to tailor the response from civilized to savage.

Handling and Braking: Surprisingly Capable for Its Size

Despite its imposing dimensions, the Durango SRT Hellcat handles with surprising poise. Adaptive dampers from Bilstein continuously adjust to road conditions, balancing comfort in daily driving with firmness during aggressive maneuvers.

The suspension tuning reduces body roll significantly, allowing the SUV to carve corners with confidence uncommon in its class. Wide Pirelli tires—available in all-season or summer compounds—provide tenacious grip, while the all-wheel-drive system enhances stability.

Stopping power matches the go: massive Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers and 15.75-inch rotors haul the heavy beast down from high speeds without drama.

• Exceptional fade resistance during repeated hard stops

• Precise pedal feel for modulated braking

• Short stopping distances that belie the vehicle's mass

On twisting roads, the Hellcat feels planted and responsive, turning what could be a lumbering SUV into a surprisingly agile performer.

The Thirsty Side: Fuel Economy Realities

All that superlative performance extracts a heavy toll at the pump. The EPA rates the Durango SRT Hellcat at 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 13 mpg combined. In practice, real-world figures often dip lower, especially with enthusiastic driving.

The supercharged V8 demands premium fuel and guzzles it relentlessly under boost. Highway cruising in Eco mode can approach the rated 17 mpg, but city stop-and-go traffic or spirited acceleration drops efficiency into single digits.

• Frequent fuel stops due to the 24.6-gallon tank

• Higher consumption when towing or carrying full loads

• Supercharger and cooling systems add parasitic drag

For owners, this thirst is part of the ownership experience—a reminder of the raw, unfiltered power on tap. It's a trade-off many accept for the grin-inducing performance.

Daily Usability Amid the Madness

Surprisingly, the Durango SRT Hellcat remains practical for everyday use. The cabin offers comfortable seating, modern infotainment, and ample cargo space. Ride quality in non-Track modes absorbs bumps adequately, making it viable as a family vehicle.

Advanced driver aids and a robust structure provide reassurance, while the iconic exhaust note adds character without overwhelming drone on long trips. It's a vehicle that can haul kids to school in the morning and dominate a backroad in the afternoon.

The blend of utility and extremity sets it apart—no other three-row SUV delivers this level of performance while maintaining everyday functionality.

Performance Trade-Offs: Worth the Sacrifice?

The Durango SRT Hellcat embodies excess in the best way. Its insane acceleration and capability come at the direct expense of fuel efficiency, creating a polarizing vehicle that demands commitment from its driver.

For enthusiasts seeking unparalleled thrills in an SUV package, the compromises pale against the rewards. The supercharged roar, neck-snapping launches, and sheer dominance on the road create memories that efficient crossovers simply can't match.

Yet, for those prioritizing economy or subtlety, the Hellcat's demands may prove too extreme. It forces a choice: embrace the madness or opt for restraint.

In a world shifting toward electrification and efficiency, vehicles like this serve as a bold reminder of gasoline-fueled exhilaration—flawed, thirsty, and utterly unforgettable.