Highlights of the 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango arrives in style, not only thanks to the addition of a halo product like the Durango Hellcat, but also because the hefty SUV now features a restyled exterior and a new driver-centric cockpit. Largely unchanged since this third-generation Durango first arrived in 2011, the SUV remains one of the last few to be built using body-on-frame construction. Thanks to its muscular hunches — no doubt inspired by its devilish brethren like the Dodge Charger and Challenger — the Durango remains one of the best-looking family SUVs on the market. Here’s what Dodge has in store for the 2021 Durango: 

The bulk of the attention is deservedly placed on the Durango SRT Hellcat, but as it turns out the entire Durango lineup receives stylish updates across the board. Inspired by the Charger Widebody, the 2021 Durango now features a forward-leaning profile. Other updates include the addition of LED daytime running lights, an upgraded grille, various wheel options depending on trim level, a pronounced rear spoiler, and LED low/high headlamps. Power comes from the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity up to 6,200 lbs. Higher-tier trims can be optioned with the famed 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine instead, with its 390 lb-ft of torque and 360 horsepower. Towing capability goes up with the larger engine — up to 7,400 lbs, while an optional Tow ‘n Go package bumps the figure up to 8,700 lbs. 

Before the Durango SRT Hellcat arrived on the scene, the Durango SRT 392 reigned supreme. The 392 trim still has a respectable 6.4-liter V8 capable of 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque under its hood. That said, the real spectacle here is the beating heart that lies beneath the hood of the Durango SRT Hellcat — the very same one that powers Dodge’s muscle cars — the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI. This beast pumps out 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive remains optional for most trim levels as the standard for the majority of the Durango lineup rear-wheel-drive, except on both the Durango SRT and SRT Hellcat, where all-wheel-drive is a necessity to harness all that power. 

With a top speed of 180 mph, a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds, and 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a bonafide muscle car more than it is an SUV. “Durango is our Dodge three-row muscle car. Nowhere but Dodge can you find an SUV that can tow more or carry more with a faster quarter-time than the Durango SRT Hellcat,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars — Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA — North America. The 2021 Dodge Durango comes in six different trims: SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat.

Stop by University Dodge and check out the latest Dodge Durango inventory, or if you’re feeling more adventurous and don’t have the need for such a roomy SUV, take the Dodge Challenger for a spin instead. Follow University Dodge on social media to stay up to date with the latest Dodge news and offers.

Photo Source/Copyright: Dodge