Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Packing 475hp, the 2018 Durango SRT is the family hauler with an attitude

Stephen Edelstein
By

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is taking its SRT performance lineup in a new and interesting direction at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

Jeep has offered a Grand Cherokee SRT hot-rod SUV for several years, but there has never been an SRT version of the related Dodge Durango. Now, after months of hints and rumors, Dodge has finally unveiled one. The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is the family hauler from hell.

Recommended Videos

The Durango SRT packs a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, the same engine used in the “SRT 392” versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. It produces the same 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque as the Jeep. Dodge says the Durango SRT will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and run the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds, a time it says was certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Dodge did not quote a top speed, but the Durango SRT’s speedometer goes to 180 mph.

Related

The Hemi is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The SRT model also gets stiffer suspension with Bilstein adaptive dampers, launch control, upgraded brakes from Brembo, and seven driving modes: Street, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Valet, and Eco. Track mode is the most aggressive, dialing up suspension stiffness, dialing down stability control, quickening shifts, and sending 70 percent of power to the rear wheels. Valet mode puts a muzzle on the V8, deploying a software map that mimics a Dodge Charger V6’s power settings.

The exterior also gets an aggressive makeover, with a new front fascia and hood that visually tie the Durango to the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, plus wheel flares, side skirts, and 4-inch dual exhaust tips. The interior features heated and ventilated front seats and second row captain’s chairs, all trimmed in nappa leather and suede. The Durango SRT also gets the high-end version of FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, SRT Performance Pages, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date. As with all new SRT models, a one-day driving class at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving will be included in the Durango’s purchase price.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more