2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, front
When Dodge announced a 710-hp SRT Hellcat version of its 2021 Durango SUV, it was only for one year. The reason was simple: the model would not be able to meet the stricter emissions standards in effect for 2022.
Initial production was announced at 2,000 units and then increased to 3,000 due to demand. Dodge even tookV8 engines meant for other models so it could meet that demand for the unique Durango. Initially, it was to be built only over a six-month period.
In 2022, Dodge moved on. Except that now, the automaker says the Durango SRT Hellcat is returning for 2023. What happened?
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2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, profile
Dodge spokesperson Dave Elshoff explained to Motor Authority that the engineering team “improved the fuel system to meet LEVIII zero evaporative emissions, which are required for the 2023 model year and beyond.”
To this end, the team made mechanical changes to the fuel tank, refueling system and carbon canister, which basically has the job of collecting gasoline vapors and returning them to the engine.
What remains mysterious in all of this is that with other models served by the same mechanics [Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500 TRX], the system has remained consistent.
But hey, fans of this type of model can rejoice, because it's coming back for 2023... and maybe more. Those who bought a 2021 edition hoping to see its value rise due to its limited run might be less overjoyed at the news, however.
2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, three-quarters front
As for the model itself, sure, it offers extreme power and uncommon thrills, but frankly, it's about as necessary as central heating has been this summer. Dodge is playing its last cards with powerful gasoline engines before going all-electric. We can only hope the American automaker will treat electrification with as much passion - it could give us some very interesting vehicles.
We'll find out next year, because the first e-muscle car is expected to be launched in 2024 by Dodge.
- The Durango Hellcat is largely carried over from 2021 and doesn't lose any horsepower or torque from its 6.2-liter V8.
- From a standing start, the Durango Hellcat can reach 60 mph in 3.5-seconds—not bad for a three-row family truckster.
- The Durango Hellcat goes on sale this September, with models hitting the road early in 2023.
Dodge stuffed its popular 6.2-liter Hellcat under the hood of its Durango for 2021. This short-run performance crossover was popular, but Dodge didn’t have long-term plans for the model in mind, and it went away for 2022. Well, the team at Dodge did some moving and shaking and will bring this short-lived Durango model back for 2023.
The three-row Durango Hellcat returns without any serious changes. That means the Hemi V8 still sends 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque to the eight-speed automatic transmission. From there, power heads to all four wheels by way of the all-wheel-drive system. This combination is good enough to rocket the Durango Hellcat from a standing start to 60 mph in 3.5-seconds—not bad for a family truckster.
Dodge says the Durango Hellcat is heading back to order forms this September. There’s no word on the price, but the 2021 model started at $82,490. Now, it’s almost safe to bank on a price hike for 2023.
Considering the Charger and Challenger are both ending production next year, 2023 could be the end of the road for this hopped-up Durango. Though, that was what everyone expected after this limited-run model went away after its only scheduled production year. With that in mind, we’ll be watching this 6.2-liter-powered Durango on a year-by-year basis.
Did you think the Durango Hellcat was going to make a comeback? Tell us your thoughts below.
Wesley Wren Wesley Wren has spent his entire life around cars, whether it’s dressing up as his father’s 1954 Ford for Halloween as a child, repairing cars in college or collecting frustrating pieces of history—and most things in between.
The entry-level Durango SRT Hellcat is far from being a plain old SUV. This super SUV packs a 710 horsepower supercharged V8 engine under the hood, and enough torque to alter the rotation of our planet. The exterior of the Durango Hellcat features 20-inch wheels and LED headlights. The interior is plush, with standard Nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation in the front, automatic climate control, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Performance Specs
Engine and Transmission
Steering
Wheels
Tires
Fuel and MPG
Fuel Tank
Dimensions and Measurement
Exterior Dimensions
Interior Space
Weight and Towing
Colors and Materials
Standard Exterior Colors
Optional Exterior Colors
-
Frostbite Pearlcoat, Late Availability
Night Moves, Late Availability
Red Oxide, Late Availability
Triple Nickel, Late Availability
Vapor Gray, Late Availability
Features and Options
Infotainment
Bluetooth Connection
Standard
Hard Disk Drive Media Storage
Not Available
Premium Sound System
Standard
Smart Device Integration
Standard
Auxiliary Audio Input
Standard
Entertainment System
Not Available
Interior Trim
Cloth Seats
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
Standard
Premium Synthetic Seats
Standard
Vinyl Seats
Not Available
Woodgrain Interior Trim
Not Available
Sun/Moonroof
Not Available
Comfort
Head-Up Display
Not Available
Navigation System
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Automatic Parking
Not Available
Cooled Front Seat[s]
Standard
Cooled Rear Seat[s]
Not Available
Hands-Free Liftgate
Not Available
Heated Front Seat[s]
Standard
Heated Rear Seat[s]
Standard
-
Heated Steering Wheel
Standard
Power Driver Seat
Standard
Power Passenger Seat
Standard
Remote Engine Start
Standard
Remote Trunk Release
Standard
Universal Garage Door Opener
Standard
Seat-Massage
Not Available
Navigation from Telematics
Not Available
Additional Packages
Black Package
$1,995
Gray Metallic Badges, Satin Black Dodge Tail Lamp Badge, Wheels: 20" x 10" Lights Out Aluminum, Eclipse Black Exhaust Tip
Lightweight Performance Package
Removes 3rd row and replaces 2nd row captain chairs w/bench seats, 2nd Row 60/40 Folding Seat, Delete 3rd Row Seat, 5 Passenger Seating
Quick Order Package 2XV Hellcat
Engine: 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 SRT, Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic [8HP95] Late availability.
Trailer Tow Group IV
$1,195
Trailer Brake Control, Class IV Receiver Hitch, 7 & 4 Pin Wiring Harness
Safety
Safety Features
Cross-Traffic Alert
Not Available
Rear Parking Aid
Standard
Blind Spot Monitor
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Lane Keeping Assist
Not Available
Night Vision
Not Available
Tire Pressure Monitor
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Airbags
Front Head Air Bag
Standard
Front Side Air Bag
Standard
Passenger Air Bag
Standard
Rear Head Air Bag
Standard
Rear Side Air Bag
Not Available
Seatbelt Air Bag
Not Available
Warranty
Warranty Summary
Corrosion
5 Years / Unlimited Miles