The allure of the Hellcat powertrain is undeniable, and for enthusiasts seeking that supercharged thrill, the choices have expanded beyond the traditional muscle car. For those torn between the rugged capability of a truck and the family-friendly versatility of an SUV, the Ram TRX and the Dodge Durango DDHC (Durango Hellcat) present compelling, yet distinct, options. One forum member recently sparked a debate, contemplating trading their 2022 TRX for a new Durango DDHC, and it’s a question worth exploring for anyone considering these high-performance machines.
The original poster, a seasoned vehicle enthusiast with a history of Raptors, a BMW X3M40i, and now a TRX, highlights the TRX’s strengths: an “awesome powertrain,” impressive interior quality, a comfortable ride, and advanced technology. However, the TRX’s immense size and perceived lack of agility are drawbacks for their personal preference. Conversely, the Durango DDHC appeals with its striking aesthetics, exhilarating performance, and reported agility and ride quality. The downsides noted are its older design, a less luxurious interior compared to the TRX, and the absence of certain tech features like a 360 camera, HUD, and rear-view mirror camera. Crucially, the poster admits to not needing a pickup or a three-row SUV, emphasizing their desire for the AWD Hellcat powertrain itself.
Ram TRX and Dodge Durango DDHC side by side
Delving deeper into the driving dynamics, a key differentiator lies in their construction. The Ram TRX employs a body-on-frame structure, while the Durango DDHC utilizes a unibody construction. This fundamental difference significantly impacts their road feel and handling characteristics. The body-on-frame design of the TRX, with its robust ladder frame, excels at absorbing torsional flex from uneven road surfaces. The cabin, mounted to the frame with buffered points, further isolates occupants from vibrations, contributing to the TRX’s smooth ride.
The Durango DDHC, with its unibody structure where the body and frame are integrated, relies heavily on the torsional rigidity of the cabin itself to manage stress and vibrations. While the current Durango (WD generation) shares structural similarities with the WK2 Grand Cherokee, its torsional rigidity is relatively low by modern standards. This means the Durango might exhibit less composed handling on rough roads compared to vehicles with higher torsional rigidity, especially considering its longer wheelbase and heavier weight compared to the Grand Cherokee.
For standard Durango models with softer suspensions and higher-profile tires, these structural limitations are less pronounced as the suspension and tires effectively absorb road imperfections. However, the performance-oriented DDHC, with its stiffer suspension and lower-profile tires, offers less of this buffer. Therefore, a thorough test drive of the Durango DDHC on varied road surfaces, particularly those with imperfections, is crucial to assess its structural composure and ride quality in real-world conditions.
In conclusion, the choice between a Trx Hellcat and a Durango DDHC hinges on individual priorities. The TRX offers superior off-road capability, a more luxurious interior, and advanced technology, but at the cost of size and agility. The Durango DDHC delivers Hellcat performance in a more maneuverable SUV package, albeit with a less refined interior and potentially a less composed ride on rough roads due to its unibody construction. Ultimately, experiencing both vehicles firsthand, especially a test drive of the Durango DDHC on challenging roads, is paramount to making an informed decision and determining which Hellcat-powered beast best suits your needs and preferences.
