2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat First Test: Pure Muscle Madness

When it comes to the most American cars on the road today, 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat practically owns the crown. And no, we’re not talking about boring stuff like parts content—this is pure, unapologetic ‘Merican attitude, raw power, and swagger. The brand pumps out tire-scorching freedom machines, packed—though not for long—with roaring Hemi V-8s that belt out a combustion-powered anthem of America the Beautiful through exhausts as massive as artillery barrels. Imagine Macho Man Randy Savage atop a velociraptor climbing the Statue of Liberty, firing Mountain Dew, Bowie knives, and Lee Greenwood cassettes from a bazooka—that’s the kind of over-the-top glory Dodge serves up.

What It Is

While the Challenger and Charger are the heart and soul of Dodge’s star-spangled lineup, the 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat might just be the most American Dodge of all. It hits every box: it’s an SUV (because Americans love SUVs), it occupies roughly the same amount of space as a small space shuttle (because that’s basically a constitutional right), and it cranks out a ludicrous amount of horsepower (probably enshrined in the Federalist Papers somewhere). Close contender? The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392—basically the Durango SRT’s beefier, slightly wilder cousin.

Sadly, like all Hemi-powered legends, the Durango SRT is heading for extinction. Its mighty V-8 is being phased out in favor of “efficient” new powertrains—namely the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six and, brace yourself, electric motors. And yes, even Dodge’s muscle cars won’t escape this fate.

Put to the Test

That didn’t stop us from taking the 710-hp 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat—and its 6.2-liter supercharged beast—for one last freedom-fueled spin on the test track. Performance matched the last Durango SRT Hellcat we tested (the 2021 model), rocketing to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and blasting through the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 117.2 mph. All that while tipping the scales at over 5,500 pounds—or more than 6,000 if you pack a few friends for a Metallica concert. These numbers highlight the sheer effectiveness of all-wheel drive: it’s the fastest Dodge ever to wear the Hellcat badge, even with 87 fewer horsepower than the rear-drive Challenger Redeye.

The 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat isn’t just raw power—it’s a phenomenal drive. Steering is precise and predictable, the transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, and braking is downright sensational for an overpowered “school bus” on run-flat three-season tires. We clocked a 60–0 mph stop in just 104 feet. If there’s one quibble, we’d like more feedback through the pedal, so our foot feels as confident as our brain that the Durango will scrub speed in time for the next corner. (And yes, we’d have picked a bolder exterior color than this test model’s tame choice—but nobody asked us.)

Surprising Ride and Handling

Despite its massive size, the Durango SRT Hellcat handles with surprising poise. The steering feels balanced and neutral, and it takes a serious push on the brake or throttle to get the rear end to break loose. Even with “just” 295-section tires, grip is impressive. Plus, the SRT Pages menus let you tweak the Durango’s bark, bite, and everything in between, so you can dial in the drive exactly how you want it, no matter the situation.

Even with all its brute force, the 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat keeps the qualities that make regular Durangos great daily drivers. The ride remains comfortable—even on those massive tires—thanks to the adaptive suspension smoothing out the bumps and cracks of rough freeways and city streets. The Uconnect infotainment system may not be the class leader it once was, but it’s still intuitive and reasonably responsive. Inside, space is massive—we fit three friends and all our gear for a weeklong camping trip without breaking a sweat. And when it comes to towing, the Durango SRT can handle up to 8,700 pounds, matching or exceeding any other Durango.

Not All Perfect

There are a couple of downsides. First, this beast is leaving us after the 2024 model year. (There’s a milder SRT version, too—a 475-hp 6.4-liter naturally aspirated Hemi. Like the Charger and Challenger, its farewell comes as a Last Call special edition: the Durango SRT AlcHEMI will be limited to just 1,000 units.) Second, the 2024 Durango SRT Hellcat isn’t cheap. Our test car started at $97,590 and quickly crested the $100,000 mark with options—mostly the $11,205 Premium Package, which adds a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, hand-wrapped leather interior, moonroof, red Brembo brakes, and more. Final tally: $111,280.

Is that a lot to pay for a Dodge that isn’t named after a snake? Absolutely. But it’s hard to complain when the same vehicle makes you feel like you’re two-fisting cans of beer while punching communism square in the big, dumb face. America—hell yeah.

2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Specifications