Road Test: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
Story and photos by Jordan Allan
Specifications:
Price: $71,345 (MSRP)
Engine: 6.4L pushrod 16-valve V8
Trans: 8-speed TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
Power: 475 hp@ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 470 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm
Curb Weight: 5,369 lbs./2,435 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 18.3/12.2
New for 2018: The SRT model of the Dodge Durango is all-new for 2018 and kind of goes against the current trend in the automotive market which is smaller and more efficient which is totally fine by me. The Durango itself is mostly the same as it was when this current generation debuted in 2011, save for a few upgrades to the interior in 2014 and the addition of the 8-speed transmission.
Segment Competitors: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport SVR, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
The Skinny: The Dodge Durango SRT is essentially a muscle car in SUV clothing, and I mean that in the best way possible. It does everything you’d want a muscle car to do including be loud, go fast and turn heads but has the added practicality of a 6- (yes 6, not 7) seater SUV. It has plenty of room for 2 adult passengers in all three rows and is very comfortable to drive. Though it does feel a bit heavy, especially when cornering at any sort of speed, the 6.4L V8 propels the large SUV from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and has apparently posted a respectable quarter-mile time of just 13.3 seconds. Even when not in a situation where high speeds are achievable, the Durango SRT remains fun with its brash, muscle car-like look and the rumble from the large V8 under the hood at any RPM.
Pros: As I’ve mentioned plenty throughout this article, I would never get tired of hearing that V8 rumble under the hood. Also, although I was already a fan of the Durango’s current general styling, the overall look of the SRT model is a complete home run.
Cons: As per usual with performance vehicles, if I have to write something hear I will simply say that it is not all that fuel efficient.
The Verdict: As you can tell by the nature of this article, I’m clearly a fan of the Durango SRT and pretty much anything with the SRT badge. In saying that, this clearly is not the SUV for everyone. If you are not thrilled with loud, obnoxious V8’s or muscle car-inspired looks on your SUV then this most definitely is not for you. If you are like the rest of us though, and want to thoroughly enjoy yourself each and every time you’re behind the wheel but like the added practicality that an SUV offers, than the Dodge Durango SRT may be the choice for you.
