We know something special is coming for the new Durango. Many experts gave their opinions about the possibility of the Hellcat engine and its fit into the lineup. But, the 2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat is here, like it or not. It joins an elite company, alongside the Ram 1500 truck and its new TRX package, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. But, this one is more powerful than other two vehicles.
A 6.2-liter supercharged V8 lays under the hood of all three vehicles. The 2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat is the second SUV with such an engine. Previously, only muscle cars Charger and Challenger used this configuration. It can produce even more power, but for the new Durango, it will be the Hellcat package. Demon is creating 797 hp.
What’s more, the SRT badge is now exclusive for Dodge vehicles. Well, the only other nameplate to use it next to its title was Grand Cherokee. Now, all its performance versions will be called Trackhawk, including the one with a 6.4-liter engine. Dodge Durango already has one SRT in the lineup. The new model will be called SRT Hellcat. For the Ram truck, the badge is TRX.
2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat Specs
The 2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat won’t be only the most powerful configuration in the lineup, but also on the entire US market. Well, only Tesla Model X is more capable than the new vehicle, delivering more than 760 hp from the electric battery. But, in the conventional segment, the Durango is taking a leading position. The new tuning sends 710 horsepower to wheels, 3 hp more than the sibling, Jeep Grand Cherokee. Just for example, in 2022 we will see another vehicle with the Hellcat engine – Ram 1500 TRX Rebel truck. Engineers are tuning this one to 702 ponies.
The Hellcat engine is the name for a 6.2-liter supercharged unit with eight cylinders. Such a powerplant was reserved only for selected vehicles. But, FCA opened door to expanding SUV class. Also, adding the TRX to the RAM 1500 lineup caused Ford Motor Company to react. Now, the GT-based F-150 could crack more than 750 hp. The engine might expand the availability to the SUV class as well.
Other Upgrades
The 2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat will be easy to recognize thanks to aggressive upgrades on the body. Still, the standard model is the base for further work. More inspiration is found on two muscle cars, Challenger and Charger. For example, red accents and flat-bottom steering wheel are thing we find in common between ponycars and th SUV. The SRT logo is not only outside, but also inside. Plus, the drive system features paddle shifters.
The Hellcat SRT package is a two-row SUV and it won’t offer a bench behind these seats. Leather upholstery and heated/ventilated front buckets are also there. We find a few small upgrades on the center console, and the most impressive one is a wireless charger.
More Versions
Plenty of options is one of the key factors why buyers are in love with the Durango. The SXT is the base version with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The same unit is also available with GT and Citadel packages. The first one will add the third row and garage door opener as the main highlights. Citadel comes with premium upholstery and leather seats, power moonroof, and more driver-aid features. Between these two, buyers will find the Durango R/T. A V8 powers this one. Besides a 5.7-liter engine, there are also heated seats, 10-inch screen, and Alpine audio with nine speakers.
Previously, the SRT model was available with a 6.4-liter Hemi unit. We got used to see this one with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. Rumors were speaking about the enhancement, but most fans expected an existing engine to be tuned to deliver closer to 500 ponies. Instead, the SUV got the Hellcat treatment. The base SRT version comes with Brembo brakes and AWD. Entire drive system needed a revisit to handle so much power. High-performance adaptive damping suspension will maximize the handling and cornering. Of course, there are most styling upgrades we can find on the upscale Hellcat version.
2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat Price
The 2022 Dodge Durango Hellcat is not going to be a budget-saving vehicle. First of all, it will cost more than $82,000, which is $50k above the base version.
