There is an unwritten rule over at Dodge with regards to the Hellcat engines. That rule is, If it fits, it sits. So, Dodge thought it appropriate to celebrate independence day with the reveal of their horsepower-heavy lineup, including the debut of the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. Yeah, a Hellcat engine fit in a three-row SUV. Can you smell the tire-shredding freedom?

Another Hellcat Dodge

When it comes to horsepower, enough is never enough. People enjoy more. So, instead of reserving the Hellcat power for their muscle cars, Dodge has now included it in the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT model. That means that the Hellcat lineup, which includes the Challenger and Charger, now has a beast that can also tow 8,700 pounds. 

This Hellcat can tow

Towing is not something usually associated with those seeking track-ready cars. But, horsepower does not just win at the track. It also means you can do more in life. For example, the new Hellcat Durango will be able to tow the toys that the family has. So, by adding the Hellcat engine to the SUV, the Durango can now also pull the family’s trailer with the ATVs, jet skis, and boats with ease. 

Track capable 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

That is not to say that the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will not perform at the track. It certainly will. It has 710 horsepower, 50/50 weight distribution, can do zero-to-sixty in 3.5 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. That shows that the vehicle can both tow and shred rubber. So, it is plenty capable at the track. 

Fighting words

At the reveal of the Durango SRT Hellcat, Dodge claimed the SUV can “tow more or carry more with a faster quarter-mile time than any other SUV in the world.” It is true that it can tow more and carry more than other SUVs, but the Lamborghini Urus is faster from zero-to-sixty and in the quarter-mile, according to Car and Driver. The Urus may be a two-row SUV, but it has a zero-to-sixty time of 3.1 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.3 seconds. Granted, the Urus is also over $200,000, while the Durango will likely be over 100,000 less. Of course, some may argue also that the Urus is not a true SUV. It is a crossover that also can not tow near the ability of the 2021 Hellcat Durango. So, it really is an apples and oranges comparison.

The bottom line is that horsepower aficionados are going to be giddy with delight at the appearance of the new SRT Hellcat Durango. It is a family hauler that can actually haul. There is finally a family tow rig with attitude and horsepower to match from the factory.

Dodge is writing an anthem in burnt rubber

It seems that Dodge is writing its anthem in burnt rubber. The company has now put the Hellcat engine in every model it offers for 2021. The departure of the Journey and Grand Caravan leaves the model lineup a little light. But that lineup is certainly not shy on horsepower. 

The Hellcat Durango’s goodies

The Dodge SRT Hellcat Durango also has new front fascia, new projector headlamps, UConnect 5 with floating 10.1-inch infotainment communication center that includes Tom Tom navigation, an Alexa In-Home system that communicates with your vehicle, and the ability to sync two mobile phones. So, the SUV can talk-the-tech, not just tow the toys.

Dodge has truly become an American performance brand. It has encapsulated the muscle car ethos in every model, not just one or two. The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is proof of that. It is also proof that if a Hellcat will fit, it will sit in the engine bay, regardless of the model. The company is also satisfying those that pursue happiness by adding more horsepower, and delivering freedom to wide-open roads. Insert Tim “The Toolman” Taylor grunt here.