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…
There’s a huge Black Friday sale on Thule roof cargo boxes
thule rooftop cargo boxes deals amazon november 2023 box on car

It's almost winter, which means snowy day trips and skiing, and if you pack your whole family inside one vehicle, it can be difficult to get the rest of your critical belongings (such as bikes and kayaks) to your destination. In theory, you could buy a larger car. Many families get a minivan for the explicit purpose of relieving this kind of pressure. But that's pretty extreme when you could simply expand the storage space of your current car. And with Black Friday sales like this one, putting dozens of Thule rooftop cargo boxes on big discounts, now is a good time to consider doing so. We're seeing deals were you could save $100 (or even more) or Thule rooftop cargo boxes and accessories. Just tap the button below to access the curated collection, then keep reading for our take in how to shop the sale.

Why you should shop the Thule rooftop cargo box sale
One of the first things we want you to know before you shop the Thule collection is some features that aren't immediately apparent just by looking at the cargo boxes. For example, you may be highly concerned about driving off and having your belongings (including embarrassing items like underwear) go everywhere because the box flies open. Thule boxes, however, typically snap shut with an audible click. You know your items are secure. Alternatively, items like their

Read more
Honda recalls more than 300,000 vehicles over seat belt safety issue
2015 Honda Accord Sport

Honda has recalled more than 300,000 of its 2023-2024 HR-Vs and Accords over a safety issue, according to a document posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The issue concerns a missing seat belt part, which means that in the event of a crash, the belt “will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury,” the NHTSA said.

Read more
How to watch Tesla’s Cybertruck delivery event today
Tesla's Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

It’s been a long time coming, but Tesla is about to deliver the Cybertruck to its first customers.

Read more