While most mainstream automakers are considering cutting their CO2 emissions and launching more electrified models, Dodge has other stuff on its plate. For instance, they put a big supercharged V8 engine in the Durango and called it the Hellcat.
This first happened for the 2021 model year, and very strangely, they only made it for one year. But the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is back for 2023 and is just as exciting as ever. More importantly, it retains that monstrous lump.
With a 6.2-liter displacement, the supercharged V8 develops 710 horsepower (720 ps/530 kW) and 645 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. It works in concert with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, allowing it to max out at 180 mph (290 kph). The vehicle needs only 11.5 seconds to deal with the quarter mile. From 0 to 60 miles per hour (0-97 kph), it is about as fast as the iconic Ferrari Enzo, taking three and a half seconds.
Anyone who knows a thing or two about cars can tell it apart from the non-Hellcat lineup. It features several aerodynamic enhancements on the outside, like the revised face, a rear spoiler, special wheels, and the Hellcat emblems. It also gets uprated brakes, re-tuned chassis, and even a Launch Control system. The model comes with a Launch Assist feature that uses data gathered by the wheel speed sensors to adjust the thrust for optimized grip, and those holding the wheel have seven drive modes available at their fingertips.
Tipping the scales at 7,100 pounds (3,220 kg), Dodge's 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat has a payload of 1,590 lbs (720 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs (3,945 kg), according to the spec sheet. It can sit six people, and for such a versatile machine, one that can mix with the super crossover establishment that comprises vehicles such as the Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX 707, Bentley Bentayga Speed, and Lamborghini Urus, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The official MSRP is $91,740, excluding the $1,595 destination fee.
The Hellcat sits above the SRT 392, which starts at $70,850. The lesser Citadel trim level can be ordered from $53,050 with two-wheel drive and $55,050 with all-wheel drive. Further down the range, you will find the R/T HEMI Orange, R/T, GT, and SXT in this order, which can be yours from $54,145, $52,150, $41,550, and $39,050, respectively.
Now that we've reminded ourselves a bit about the 2023 Dodge Durango family and the range-topping Hellcat variant, it's time to see if the super SUV lives up to its name. The video shared at the bottom of this story reveals some of the positive and negative aspects and also includes some POV driving footage. It is 24 minutes long, so if you were looking for an excuse to take a break, then this is it.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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