The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is making a comeback for the 2024 model year, but this could very well be its last appearance. The supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, famously known as the Hellcat, is set to be discontinued at the end of the year. This means that enthusiasts and fans of the Hellcat will need to act quickly if they want to get their hands on this beast of an SUV. While pricing details have not been announced yet, the previous 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat had a starting price of $95,200, including a destination charge of $1,595.
Interestingly, the Hellcat engine is not just limited to the Durango. It is also utilized in the 2024 Ram 1500 TRX. In fact, Ram recently announced a special final-edition model of the 1500 TRX to celebrate the popularity of the engine.
The Durango SRT Hellcat was initially introduced for the 2021 model year as a one-off vehicle. However, due to overwhelming demand, Dodge decided to continue offering it. For the 2024 model, the Hellcat engine maintains its output of 710 horsepower. With this immense power, the Durango SRT Hellcat can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, complete a quarter-mile run in 11.5 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 180 mph. Despite being a high-performance SUV, it can still comfortably seat up to seven passengers and tow an impressive 8,700 pounds.
In addition to its monstrous engine, the Durango SRT Hellcat also comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and powerful Brembo brakes. The brake system consists of six-piston calipers and 15.8-inch rotors in the front, along with four-piston calipers and 13.8-inch rotors in the rear.
While there aren’t any significant changes to the Durango lineup for 2024, Dodge has made blind-spot monitoring a standard feature across the range. Furthermore, the available Trailer Tow Group package now includes blind-spot monitoring with a trailer detect function. Another addition to the 2024 Durango lineup is the availability of the Tow N Go package on the Citadel grade for the first time, giving customers more options for towing capabilities.
Aside from the SRT Hellcat variant, there are other grades available in the 2024 Durango lineup. These include the SXT, GT, R/T, and SRT 392. The SXT, GT, and Citadel come equipped with a standard 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The R/T gets a more powerful 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine as standard, and it can also be added to the Citadel by opting for the Tow N Go package. The range-topping SRT 392 features a 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 engine.
Although the SRT Hellcat grade is bidding farewell, Dodge isn’t done with V-8 engines just yet. The 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8 engines are expected to continue being offered in future model years, though they too will eventually be replaced. Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis, has already revealed the Hurricane 3.0-liter turbo-6 engine as a likely successor. The Hurricane engine is capable of producing up to 510 horsepower in its current form.
In conclusion, the return of the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat for the 2024 model year is an exciting event for performance SUV enthusiasts. With its powerful Hellcat engine, impressive acceleration, seating for seven, and towing capability, this may be the last chance for customers to experience the incredible performance and versatility of the Hellcat-powered Durango. As Dodge prepares for the future, it remains committed to V-8 engines for now, but the arrival of the Hurricane engine in the near future hints at the brand’s continuous pursuit of power and performance.