For those in the know, DodgeGarage has been the go-to source for all things 2021 Dodge Durango SRT® Hellcat. We’ve tracked this incredible 710HP, three-row, all-wheel-drive SUV from its initial jaw-dropping announcement through the ordering process, delivery day excitement, and countless owner stories showcasing its remarkable versatility. If you’re just joining us, you might want to catch up on our previous articles to truly appreciate the Durango Hellcat phenomenon.
It’s been over a year since orders opened for this beast in November 2020. Since then, owners have been pushing the Durango SRT Hellcat to its limits, exploring every facet of its capabilities. We’ve witnessed everything from eye-catching custom wraps to full-blown drag racing setups, and even its surprising utility as a work vehicle. Yes, you read that right – people are actually towing with the Durango Hellcat.
Durango SRT Hellcat pulling a camper trailer
If you’ve followed our journey, you’ll know that the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasts serious towing prowess. This capability was a significant factor in my own decision to purchase one. After all, Dodge themselves highlighted the “King of SUVs” towing the formidable Drag Pak Challenger in promotional materials. However, a common question arises: “Who would actually use a Durango Hellcat for towing? Can it really tow as well as claimed?” If you’re harboring such doubts, it’s time to listen up and prepare to be impressed.
The official towing capacity for the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is a substantial 8,700 pounds. But does it just “can” tow that weight, or does it truly excel at it? Let’s put that into perspective. Only two other SUVs on the market can match or exceed this figure. One competitor matches the 8,700 lbs, and another reaches an impressive 9,300 lbs with an optional heavy-duty tow package. However, neither of these rivals packs a supercharged V8 engine unleashing over 700 horsepower. Neither comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive. Neither possesses the ground-shaking presence and auditory roar of the Durango SRT Hellcat. And certainly, neither can conquer the quarter-mile in the low 11-second range. Frankly, they lack the sheer “cool factor” of this menacing machine.
Durango Hellcat towing a camper trailer
As a race car enthusiast, towing is a necessity for track days. Additionally, my family enjoys our 30-foot travel trailer for spring and fall getaways, further emphasizing the need for towing capability. When the Durango SRT Hellcat was announced, it immediately captured my attention. To make it a reality, I traded in my 2019 Ram 3500 Dually, placing my faith in the Durango’s ability to handle both my race car and camper. Truth be told, I had slight reservations about how well this SUV would manage a 30-foot camper, even within the stated weight limits. The question lingered: would it simply manage, or would it truly perform?
Tow sway control on Durango SRT Hellcat
When ordering my Durango SRT Hellcat, the Tow Package was a must-have option. This factory-installed package includes a robust hitch receiver, seamlessly integrated trailer wiring in the rear bumper, and a convenient trailer brake switch on the dashboard. The digital displays are also programmed to provide essential towing information. This comprehensive package ensures a clean and factory-perfect towing setup.
Durango SRT Hellcat pulling a camper trailer
For this towing test, our trailer was a 2019 Jayco travel trailer with a base weight of 4,500 lbs. We estimate an additional 1,000 lbs of cargo, including bicycles, food, drinks (essential for three growing kids!), camping gear, and even a kayak. It’s a standard bumper-pull, dual-axle trailer with a gross vehicle rating of 6,000 lbs, which we were likely approaching. Inside the Durango, we had two adults, three kids, and our ever-present Black Lab.
Trailer hitch on Durango SRT Hellcat
Even with a basic bumper-pull setup, the Durango’s towing performance was exceptional. The suspension maintained composure with minimal squatting. Any minor squat can be further mitigated with a weight distribution hitch. However, for this test, I opted for a straightforward approach, utilizing the sway control that came with our camper to assess its natural towing capabilities.
SRT pages on Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango SRT Hellcat features a dedicated TOWING driving mode, conveniently located in the SRT menu alongside TRACK mode – a humorous juxtaposition highlighting its dual nature. Tow mode intelligently adjusts steering, suspension, and transmission shift patterns for optimal towing performance. With a single button press, the vehicle is primed for towing duties. Furthermore, the trailer brake switch on the dash allows for precise adjustment of trailer braking force, ensuring compatibility with various trailers. The switch set also includes a manual override button for trailer brake activation, even enabling trailer brake lockup like an emergency brake. Towing with the Durango SRT Hellcat is remarkably user-friendly and eliminates guesswork.
Power supply on a Durango SRT Hellcat
The factory-installed hitch receiver is cleverly concealed behind a panel on the rear bumper, requiring no tools and mere seconds to access or stow away. It’s these thoughtful details that enhance the ownership experience.
Towing controls on Durango SRT Hellcat
Power? With more horsepower and torque than any other SUV on the market, the Durango SRT Hellcat has power to spare for towing. The 6.2L supercharged HEMI® engine effortlessly handles towing demands. Acceleration, passing, and conquering inclines are all achieved with ease. The engine is seamlessly paired with the ZF 8HP95 8-speed automatic transmission, a personal favorite for its smooth and responsive shifts.
Trailer hitch on Durango SRT Hellcat
Braking is equally impressive. The Durango SRT Hellcat boasts massive 6-piston Brembo brakes up front with nearly 14-inch rotors. This robust factory brake system, combined with trailer brakes, ensures confident and fade-free braking performance. While lacking a diesel truck’s “Jake Brake,” the Durango SRT Hellcat’s braking is comparable to my previous Ram 3500.
Fuel economy while towing is a realistic consideration. Few vehicles achieve exceptional fuel efficiency under towing conditions. Heavy-duty diesel trucks often fare better due to their design and powertrain characteristics. On this particular towing trip, the Durango SRT Hellcat averaged a respectable 12 mpg. Considering the terrain wasn’t excessively challenging, this figure exceeded expectations and left me pleasantly surprised. Switching to Tow mode and then transitioning to Street mode for interstate cruising seemed to optimize fuel consumption.
Durango SRT Hellcat pulling a camper trailer
Handling, even in adverse conditions, remained composed. During the trip, we encountered heavy downpours. The full-time all-wheel-drive system instilled confidence and stability. Despite the large trailer and absence of a weight distribution hitch, the Durango remained remarkably stable, even at 70 mph. Concerns about trailer sway or feeling pushed around proved unfounded. Steering remained solid and responsive, indistinguishable from unhitched driving.
The “cool factor” of towing with a Durango SRT Hellcat is undeniable. Try to picture someone towing anything looking cooler than cruising in this beast. Beyond its head-turning aesthetics, it comfortably accommodates three kids, a partner, a large dog, and all the associated luggage. What other vehicle can tow 8,700 lbs and then effortlessly transition to high-octane drag strip performance? The Durango SRT Hellcat truly redefines the performance SUV segment.
