2019 Dodge Durango SRT
The Dodge Durango SRT exists at the increasingly busy intersection of sports cars and family-friendly SUVs. New for the latest model year, it's not the Hellcat-powered hauler fans begged Dodge to build but it's no slouch, either.
Technical specifications
The Durango SRT proudly bucks the industry's downsizing trend with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine tuned to produce 475 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The SRT hits 60 mph from a stop in 4.4 seconds -- about on par with a Porsche 911 Carrera -- and it covers the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs 5,500 pounds.An eight-speed automatic transmission channels the eight-cylinder's power to all four wheels via a performance-tuned all-wheel drive system. The extra power is complemented by a firmer suspension, huge Brembo brakes on both ends, and Pirelli Scorpion tires.
Seven driving modes are available. Notably, Track Mode sends up to 70 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels and drastically reduces shift times.
Spotter's guide
The SRT treatment is as much about looks as it is about performance, and the Durango delivers. It receives a model-specific hood with an air duct and heat extractors, a new bumper with a wide air dam and LED daytime running lights, fender flares, and a rear air diffuser that encompasses twin four-inch exhaust tips.
For a sportier feel, real carbon fiber trim is offered for the first time inside the Durango. The cabin also gets Laguna leather upholstery with silver accent stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, as well as heated and ventilated seats.
Like every Durango, the SRT offers 17.2 cubic feet of trunk space behind the third row of seats, 47.7 behind the second row, and 84.5 behind the first row. It can tow 8,700 pounds, meaning it's both functional and fun.
Standard and optional features
The Dodge Durango SRT comes standard with a load-leveling rear suspension, an adaptive suspension, a model-specific body kit, automatic high beams, automatic HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, a remote engine starter, all-season tires, 20-inch five-spoke wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a seven-inch screen in the instrument cluster, three-zone automatic climate control, a cargo net, a full-length center console, an overhead front console, a memory function for the seats, the mirrors, and the steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather upholstery with silver accent stitching, power-adjustable front seats that are ventilated and heated, a heated steering wheel wrapped in leather, a Beats sound system, an 8.4-inch screen for the infotainment system, navigation, keyless entry, a push-button ignition, and parking sensors on both ends.
The list of optional features includes multi-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, three-season tires, a power sunroof, a towing package, red leather upholstery, the aforementioned carbon fiber trim, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD player.
Occupant safety
Like every Durango, the SRT comes standard with traction and stability control systems plus dual front, side, and curtain air bags and a knee airbag for the driver. Plan on exploring the list of options if you want electronic driving aids like adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitoring system.
Key competitors
Not many SUVs offer space for seven and sports car-like performance. The few that do (like the Mercedes-AMG GLS63) cost significantly more than the Durango SRT. It's fair to say Dodge's flagship SUV is in a class of its own.
