2018 Dodge Durango SRT Review: First Impressions and Photo Gallery
CARS.COM — The “sleeper car” (or in this case, sleeper SUV) club may have found its latest member in the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT. Debuting at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, this three-row SUV — known for its roomy interior and solid technology — is now capable of running from zero-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and finishing a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds. While introducing the 2018 Durango SRT, a Dodge representative said it was “natural” to take this three-row SUV to the track.
No, it is not. And the unnaturalness of it is precisely why it’s appealing.
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The Durango SRT’s performance credentials are unquestioned: 475 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet of torque from a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8. It also has an upgraded transmission capable of faster shifts, down to 160 milliseconds; Bilstein adaptive damping system; stiffer suspension components; and a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system.
Differences in the Durango SRT’s styling depend on where you’re standing. Viewed from the side or the rear, there isn’t much to contrast the SRT from other Durango trims. But up front, the entire nose has changed, starting with the hood, its large hood scoop and two heat extractors. The bumper has been restyled as well to be more aggressive, making the Durango SRT’s front look low and mean.
Inside, the changes are subtle. SRT logos adorn the first two rows of seats and the vehicle on display came with the optional Demonic Red Laguna leather upholstery. There are additional screens added to the 8.4-inch multimedia screen, which allow the driver to set up the various drive settings and track other performance metrics such as how much horsepower or torque the engine is outputting as well as timing laps.
By adding performance without removing the Durango’s family friendliness, Dodge has created something that can roast pretty much everything else on the road — with the soccer team in the back. Some might call that superfluous; we just call it super.
