2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

A 707 Horsepower Hemi meets a family hauler is it a match made in heaven or hell? Hellcat that is.

Updated: November 14, 2023  // 

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We still can’t believe that Dodge brought back the Durango SRT Hellcat 2023 model year, but we welcome it with wide open arms and a lead foot.

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, which was initially introduced as a one-year-only model for 2021, has made a comeback due to high demand from enthusiasts. The gearheads with kids will now be able to get to the soccer field in a cloud of smoke. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine delivers 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. of torque keeps the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat as insane as before.

According to Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of the Dodge brand under Stellantis, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat has received an overwhelming amount of interest and demand since its debut in 2020. In fact, the initial production run had to be extended. Therefore, it makes sense to reintroduce the most powerful SUV ever as part of the 2023 model-year Dodge lineup.

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The Revived Durango Hellcat is Unreal

The 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat stays true to its Dodge roots, beginning with the powerful Hellcat engine under the hood. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 Hellcat engine was developed and tested by SRT engineers to ensure it was optimized for the Durango. Similar to the previous Durango SRT Hellcat, the engine performance features and components that are crucial include:

  • The supercharger housing has a dedicated cooling circuit for the charge air coolers. The charge air coolers have their own cooling loop to keep the intake air under 140 degrees. Its purpose is to maintain the temperature of the air flowing into the engine below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The engine features sodium-cooled exhaust valves, hollow-stem intake valves, and steel-alloy heads that can withstand temperatures as high as 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit (900 degrees Celsius).
  • The lower front fascia features a cold-air scoop that assists in supplying air to the supercharger and the Hellcat engine’s 92-mm throttle body.
  • Cylinder heads made of aluminum alloy that have undergone a heat treatment process.
  • The TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission comes equipped with steering-wheel-mounted paddles that allow for manual-style shifting. Additionally, there are seven available Drive modes to choose from, including Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Valet.
  • The twin-screw rotors in the supercharger are positioned closely together to reduce air leakage and optimize performance.

HellCat power buy the numbers

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasts impressive performance figures to support its claims. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds lets the Durango Hellcat claims a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)-certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 180 mph.

The Dodge Durango has once again added SRT Hellcat models to its lineup, joining the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. In addition to the Durango SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT 392, the Durango SRT Hellcat is now available, bringing the total number of models in the Durango lineup to six.

The Price of the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

With all this amazing, what does the this 707hp Durango Hellcat cost? Until now, the statistic that was missing was the price. According to Mopar Insiders, they have obtained an early dealer order guide for the complete 2023 Durango lineup, which also includes pricing information. The MSRP of the fastest Durango has increased by approximately $10,000 over the course of two years.

The base price for the 2021 model is slightly over $82,000, while the 2023 model’s base price is expected to start at almost $93,000, assuming that the current $1,595 destination charge remains relatively unchanged. Here are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) for three trims that I found in the dealer guide, which includes a destination fee of $1,595:

  • Base Hellcat: $92,780
  • Plus Package: $98,780
  • Premium Package: $103,680

Although we believe that the asking price for the Durango SRT Hellcat is high, buyers had a different opinion when it was last available. Dodge reported that all of the 2021 models were sold out, and there was sufficient demand to warrant the reintroduction of the hot SUV for 2023. We would prefer the 2023 model without the gaudy stripes, but we would opt for the Pirelli P Zero summer tires to achieve optimal performance. The 19-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is a great feature that can help to reduce the noise from the supercharger. Therefore, we recommend choosing the Premium trim, which includes this sound system along with a leather-wrapped dashboard and carbon-fiber interior trim.

Durango Hellcat MPG

According to the EPA, the Durango SRT Hellcat is expected to achieve 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Which may not be considered impressive compared to a gas sipping hybrid, but gas savings is not why you want a Hellcat, is it?

SRT Hellcat Custom Options

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat red interior

Dodge.ca

The 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will offer gearheads and enthusiasts additional options to customize their vehicle with the Plus and Premium packages, which provide even more features. The Durango SRT Hellcat’s Plus package offers a range of premium features, including high-performance Laguna leather seats, a trailer tow group, a power sunroof, and advanced adaptive safety features.

The Premium package enhances the Plus features by including red seatbelts, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, carbon fiber interior accents, and a Harman Kardon 19-speaker sound system.

Inside the Durango SRT Hellcat

The Hellcat Durango boasts a driver-centric layout inside that bears a striking resemblance to the dashboard found in the Dodge Charger and Challenger. The gauge cluster of the super SUV boasts unique red accents, while its flat-bottom steering wheel is equipped with a pair of paddle shifters and an SRT logo that is backlit in red. The standard features of the Hellcat model include heated and ventilated seats, as well as Nappa leather upholstery that has microsuede inserts on the front cushions. The cabin has the option of being upgraded with Laguna leather, which is available in a black and Demonic Red color scheme and features embossed Hellcat logos.

The center console is equipped with two cupholders, a noticeable T-handle shifter, a spacious storage compartment, and an area designated for a wireless charging pad. The Durango offers comfortable accommodations and a third row that can be easily folded away. These vehicles were able to hold up to four bags behind the backmost row and up to 26 bags when the second and third rows were stowed.

The Durango’s infotainment system is operated through a spacious 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is compatible with the latest Uconnect 5 software from the manufacturer. The interface is mainly operated through touch inputs, although there is also a rotary volume and tuning knob integrated into the climate-control panel located below. With Amazon Alexa now in the mix, this system lets you command it with a broader spectrum of voice instructions.

You can link up two Bluetooth devices to this system, and it even rolls with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Included features are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a subscription. The Durango is available with a rear entertainment system that includes two 9.0-inch screens mounted on the back of the front seats.

Does it have a Warranty?

The good news is that Dodge will provide a warranty, but only the minimum coverage for its limited and powertrain warranty. In contrast to its competitors such as Hyundai and Toyota, the company does not provide any form of complimentary maintenance.

What Dodge provides for the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat:

  • The limited warranty provides coverage for a duration of three years or a mileage of 36,000 miles.
  • The powertrain warranty provides coverage for a duration of five years or up to 60,000 miles.
  • There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Final SRT HellCat Thoughts

The cabin of the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can accommodate up to six passengers, while its powerful engine boasts an impressive 710 horsepower. Because of its powerful V8 engine and muscular styling reminiscent of classic Dodge muscle cars, the Durango SRT Hellcat has serious performance credentials to back up its aggressive looks. The Durango SRT Hellcat comes with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. The Durango SRT Hellcat is surprisingly nimble for its size, making it a total blast to drive. The cabin is generously sized and well-appointed. Higher trims come with a plethora of features and amenities that approach the level of luxury. Despite its power and performance, the Durango SRT Hellcat doubles as a practical ride with an 8700-pound towing capacity – surprisingly hauling your toys around with ease.

About The Writer

Devin Joy

Devin's love of cars came from his father and mother over 35 years ago. They always told stories of their old cars and the adventures they had in them were so amazing he dove headfirst into the car world, and never looked back.

Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.