Other than the R/T model, the Dodge Durango hasn’t had a real performance variant since the current generation of it was rolled out in 2011 with a refreshening in 2014. Meanwhile, the architecturally similar Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT has been around already for two generations. The good news is that the revealing of the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, a.k.a. three-row Charger, just ahead of the Chicago Auto Show fixes all of that.
This trim level upgrade was a no-brainer for Dodge as there are rumors of a Hellcat powered Grand Cherokee circulating and a tarmac eating Challenger SRT Demon is already well on its way to being fully revealed.
The 5510 lbs seven passenger family hauler is everything the power hungry SUV enthusiast has ever wanted. All-wheel-drive will never feel the same again after having been mated via a TorqueFlight 8 speed automatic transmission to the same power plant used in both the Challenger/Charger 392 and Challenger/Charger Scat Pack. The naturally aspirated 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) Hemi V-8 produces 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. More impressively it lays down a 0-60 in just 4.4s and a 12.9s quarter mile. For the sake of comparison, the Mercedes AMG G63 posts up a slower 4.8s and 13.3s respectively. Ironically, the larger SRT engine provides a more even vehicle weight balance at 48/52 percent versus lower end Durangos.
All that juice under the hood also gives the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT the healthiest tow rating in the Durango lineup at 8,600 pounds. Not bad for a unibody construction crossover SUV when compared to a full-size body-on-frame Tahoe capable of 8,400 pounds.
Of course, what’s all that power for if it doesn’t sound the part? Large tuned 2 3/4″ exhaust tubes were installed giving the Durango SRT a ring identical to that of the Challenger/Charger 392.
Dodge designers left no stone unturned when considering the Durango SRT’s cooling needs which also produced some great looking styling cues as a result. A roomy hood scoop lies front and center surrounded by 2 hot air extraction vents on either side. A mammoth air intake in the bumper sits below accompanied by air intakes above both fog lights. The fog light intake on the driver’s side directs fresh air up towards the airbox reducing temperatures by up to 18 degrees.
As with most modern day performance minded “tuning”, the Durango SRT received the “black-out” treatment – blacked out wheels and blacked out body trim. LED fog lights and aggressive side skirts grace the bottom section of the thunderous SUV.
To slow the Durango SRT from 60-0 mph in just 115 feet, Dodge has outfitted it with slotted 15-inch diameter rotors and 6-piston calipers up front and 13.8-inch rotors and 4-piston calipers in the rear all branded by the famous Brembo.
The suspension components also received some enhancements over the standard Durango. The SRT will be running 3% stiffer spring rates in the front and 16% stiffer in the rear. All bushings will be 16% stiffer and the rear sway bar stiffness increased by 18%. Most importantly the shock dampers are now electronically controlled.
Dodge gives Durango SRT owners all the options they need to navigate all scenarios with seven driving modes:
- Sport & Track – Quite possibly the only 2 modes people would be inclined to use the most. They dial down the electronic stability control to a respectable level while increasing shift points to utilize that all important power band.
- Eco – Sounds boring but it’s fairly self explanatory.
- Tow – Aside from the usual features of your normal tow mode Dodge added noise cancellation to cut out any droning from the exhaust system when maintaining hard pulls.
- Snow – Locks the all-wheel-drive system to 50/50 power distribution and electronic stability control kicks in full tilt. No 4-wheel burnouts in this mode!
- Street – Regular around town driving
- Valet – Don’t want to worry about “Jimmy” setting new personal bests while you’re trying to enjoy your meal at the steakhouse? Limit him to Valet mode by cutting down the power to that of a V6!
Interior wise the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT makes use of the same styling cues seen in other SRT’s. Most notably the driver gets to clutch onto a flat-bottomed steering wheel underlapped by paddle shifters and a T-shaped gear selector situated in the center console. Accenting the sportier interior are velour floor mats, a suede headliner, suede-wrapped A-pillars and performance Laguna leather seats. Carbon fiber trim pieces finish off the fast look alongside the beautifully stitched dashboard.
For the buyer of this 7 person rocketship who may actually be safety minded Dodge has included all the peace of mind features you could imagine. Trailer-sway control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and airbags galore.
Pricing and fuel economy have not been announced yet as the first official unveiling will be at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT hits dealership floors Q4 of 2017 as production isn’t slated to start until summer. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
