The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat burst onto the scene, immediately capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts. Here at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we’ve been following this high-performance SUV closely, from its initial groundbreaking announcement to firsthand owner experiences. This isn’t just another SUV; it’s a 710-horsepower, all-wheel-drive beast that redefines the segment. If you’re just catching up, you might be wondering what makes this Durango SRT Hellcat so special. Let’s dive deep into what makes this vehicle not just a performance marvel, but also a surprisingly capable towing machine.
Durango SRT Hellcat pulling a camper trailer
It’s been over a year since orders opened for this incredible machine back in November 2020. Now, with many owners experiencing the Durango SRT Hellcat firsthand, we’re seeing the full spectrum of its capabilities. From eye-catching custom wraps to dedicated drag racing builds, and even as a robust work vehicle, the versatility of the Durango SRT Hellcat is truly impressive. Yes, you read that right – people are actually towing with this performance SUV.
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasts a significant towing capacity, a feature that was a key factor for many owners when deciding to purchase. Dodge themselves highlighted this capability by showcasing the Durango SRT Hellcat towing the formidable Drag Pak Challenger. This raises the question for many: can a performance SUV like the Hellcat truly tow effectively? Is it just marketing hype, or does it genuinely deliver on its towing promises? Let’s address those questions head-on and explore the towing prowess of the Srt Durango Hellcat.
The official towing rating for the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is an impressive 8,700 pounds. But towing capacity is only part of the story. The real question is how well it tows at that weight. While several SUVs on the market match or exceed this rating, they lack the sheer power and presence of the Hellcat. Consider the competition: one SUV matches the 8,700-pound rating, and another slightly exceeds it with 9,300 pounds when equipped with a heavy-duty tow package. However, neither of these competitors offers a supercharged V8 engine pushing out over 700 horsepower. They also lack the standard full-time all-wheel drive, the ground-shaking roar, and the blistering quarter-mile times in the low 11-second range that define the Durango SRT Hellcat. And let’s be honest, none of them possess the same aggressive, menacing, and undeniably cool factor.
Durango Hellcat towing a camper trailer
For those who need to tow, whether it’s a race car to the track or a family camper for weekend getaways, the Durango SRT Hellcat steps up. Imagine needing a vehicle that can handle both track days and family vacations. For some owners, like those who traded in heavy-duty trucks, there was initial apprehension about whether this performance SUV could truly handle towing a substantial camper, even within the official weight limits. The concern was valid: just because a vehicle can tow a certain weight, doesn’t guarantee it will tow well.
Opting for the Tow Package when ordering your Durango SRT Hellcat is a must for serious towing. This factory-installed package provides a seamless towing experience, including a robust hitch receiver, integrated trailer wiring in the rear bumper, and a trailer brake switch conveniently located on the dash. The digital displays are also programmed to provide essential towing information, ensuring a clean and integrated setup right from the factory.
Tow sway control on Durango SRT Hellcat
To put the Durango SRT Hellcat’s towing capabilities to the test, consider a real-world example. Hauling a 2019 Jayco travel trailer, weighing approximately 4,500 lbs unloaded, plus an estimated 1,000 lbs of gear – including bikes, camping equipment, and supplies for a family – presents a significant towing challenge. This setup, a standard bumper pull trailer with dual axles, approaches its gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 lbs. Packed with two adults, three children, and a dog in the Durango’s cabin, this is a typical family towing scenario.
Durango SRT Hellcat pulling a camper trailer
In such conditions, the Durango SRT Hellcat performs admirably, even with a basic bumper pull hitch. The suspension maintains composure with minimal squat, and any minor squat can be further mitigated with a weight distribution hitch. For an initial assessment, testing without a weight distribution hitch allows for evaluating the SUV’s natural towing balance, relying on the camper’s sway control attachment.
Trailer hitch on Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango SRT Hellcat features a dedicated TOWING driving mode, accessible through the SRT menu alongside the TRACK mode – a humorous juxtaposition highlighting its dual nature. Tow mode intelligently adjusts steering, suspension, and transmission shift patterns to optimize for towing conditions. With a simple button press, the vehicle configures itself for ideal towing performance. Furthermore, the trailer brake switch on the dash allows for fine-tuning the trailer brake rate, ensuring optimal braking performance for various trailers. The switch set also includes a manual trailer brake control, adding an extra layer of safety and control. Towing with the Durango SRT Hellcat is designed to be intuitive and almost effortless.
SRT pages on Durango SRT Hellcat
The factory-installed hitch receiver is cleverly concealed behind a removable panel on the rear bumper. This detail exemplifies the thoughtful design of the Durango SRT Hellcat, blending functionality with clean aesthetics. The ease of accessing the hitch receiver without tools in just seconds is a testament to user-centric engineering.
Power supply on a Durango SRT Hellcat
Power is certainly not a concern when towing with the Durango SRT Hellcat. Boasting more horsepower and torque than any other SUV in its class, the 6.2L supercharged HEMI® engine handles towing duties with ease. Acceleration, passing maneuvers, and tackling inclines are effortless, with the engine barely breaking a sweat. The smooth and precise shifts of the ZF 8HP95 8-speed automatic transmission further enhance the towing experience.
Towing controls on Durango SRT Hellcat
Braking performance is equally impressive. Equipped with massive 6-piston Brembo brakes and nearly 14-inch rotors up front, the Durango SRT Hellcat provides exceptional stopping power. Combined with trailer brakes, the factory brake setup ensures confident and controlled braking with minimal fade, rivaling even dedicated towing trucks.
Trailer hitch on Durango SRT Hellcat
Fuel economy while towing is a realistic consideration for any vehicle. While towing, achieving exceptional fuel economy is rare, even for diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks. However, in real-world towing conditions, the Durango SRT Hellcat can achieve a respectable 12 mpg average. Optimizing fuel economy can be achieved by using Tow mode for initial setup and then switching to Street mode for steady interstate cruising.
Durango SRT Hellcat pulling a camper trailer
Handling remains confident and stable, even in challenging conditions. The full-time all-wheel-drive system provides a sure-footed feel, especially during heavy rain. Despite towing a large trailer without a weight distribution hitch, the Durango SRT Hellcat maintains stability at highway speeds, resisting sway and maintaining solid steering feel.
Beyond its towing capabilities, the Durango SRT Hellcat possesses an undeniable “cool factor.” It’s a vehicle that stands out, even while towing. Few vehicles can combine the ability to tow 8,700 lbs, carry a family and luggage, and then dominate at the drag strip. The SRT Durango Hellcat truly redefines the performance SUV segment, offering unmatched versatility and a commanding presence. It’s not just a capable SUV; it’s the King of SUVs, blending raw power with practical functionality.
