Here at DodgeGarage, we’ve extensively covered the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT® Hellcat, from its initial jaw-dropping announcement as a 710HP, three-row, all-wheel-drive marvel, through the ordering and delivery processes, and numerous owner stories showcasing its incredible versatility. If you’ve missed any of these articles, now is the perfect time to catch up and truly appreciate the full spectrum of what this machine offers.
Cat Out of Hell
“Hellrango”: Ordering the Beast
“Hellrango”: Taking Delivery
Durango SRT Hellcat: The Jack of all Trades
Mom Missile Hellcat
It’s been over a year since orders opened for this extraordinary vehicle in November 2020. Now, a year later, owners have truly explored the limits of the Durango SRT Hellcat, pushing boundaries and discovering its multifaceted capabilities. We’ve witnessed everything from striking custom wraps to full-blown drag racing configurations, and even its unexpected utility as a work vehicle. Yes, you read that right – people are actually towing with the Hellcat Durango.
If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasts impressive towing capabilities, a factor that significantly influenced the author’s decision to purchase one. Dodge themselves even highlighted this with a promotional photoshoot featuring the Durango SRT Hellcat towing the new Drag Pak Challenger. This begs the question many are asking: “Can the Hellcat Durango really tow? And how well does it perform in towing scenarios?” If you’re among those questioning its towing ability, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
The official towing capacity of the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is a substantial 8,700 pounds. But the real question isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about performance. Does it tow that weight effectively? Just because a vehicle can tow a certain weight, doesn’t guarantee it will excel at it. For context, only two other SUVs on the market rival or exceed this towing capacity. One matches the 8,700 lbs rating, while another reaches an impressive 9,300 lbs with an optional heavy-duty tow package. However, and this is a crucial distinction, neither of those competitors packs a supercharged V8 engine delivering over 700 horsepower. They also lack standard full-time all-wheel drive, and certainly can’t match the visceral thrill and auditory experience of the Hellcat Durango. Forget about blistering quarter-mile times in the low 11-second range – these competitors simply don’t compare. Aesthetically, they also fall short of the Durango SRT Hellcat’s menacing and aggressive stance. In short, they lack the sheer “cool factor” of the Hellcat Durango.
For the author, towing is a necessity. Hauling a racecar to the track and a 30-foot travel trailer for family getaways are regular requirements. When the Durango SRT Hellcat was announced, it immediately became a target vehicle. The decision to trade in a 2019 Ram 3500 Dually for it hinged on whether the Durango Hellcat could confidently handle both the racecar and the camper. Despite the Durango’s stated towing capacity aligning with these needs, there was a slight apprehension about how well this SUV would manage a substantial 30-foot camper. Again, capability on paper doesn’t always translate to real-world towing prowess.
To ensure optimal towing performance, the Durango SRT Hellcat was ordered with the factory Tow Package. This crucial option includes a seamlessly integrated hitch receiver, trailer wiring built into the rear bumper, and a trailer brake switch conveniently located on the dashboard. The digital displays are also programmed to provide essential towing information, creating a clean and user-friendly towing setup.
For this towing review, the trailer in question is a 2019 Jayco travel trailer with a base weight of 4,500 lbs. With gear, supplies for a family of five (including three children with adult-sized appetites), camping equipment, and recreational items, the estimated total weight reaches approximately 6,000 lbs. This dual-axle bumper-pull trailer is well within the Durango’s towing limits. The Durango’s cabin comfortably accommodates two adults, three kids, and a large Black Lab for these family adventures.
Even with a standard bumper-pull trailer setup, the Durango’s towing performance was exceptional. The suspension maintained composure with minimal squatting. Any minor squat can be further mitigated by employing a weight distribution hitch system. However, to assess the Durango’s inherent towing capabilities, the test was conducted using only the sway control attachment included with the camper.
The Durango SRT Hellcat features a dedicated TOWING driving mode accessible through the SRT menu, positioned humorously close to TRACK mode. Tow mode intelligently adjusts steering, suspension, and transmission shift patterns for optimal towing performance. Engaging tow mode is as simple as pressing a button, instantly configuring the vehicle for towing tasks. Furthermore, the trailer brake switch on the dash allows for precise adjustment of trailer brake force, ensuring compatibility and optimal braking performance across different trailers. The switch also includes a momentary squeeze function for manual trailer brake activation or even locking, similar to an emergency brake. Towing with the Hellcat Durango eliminates guesswork, making it remarkably easy and intuitive.
The factory-installed hitch receiver is cleverly concealed behind a panel on the rear bumper, requiring no tools and just seconds to access or stow away. These thoughtful details enhance the overall user experience.
Power is certainly not an issue. Boasting more horsepower and torque than any other SUV in its class, the Durango SRT Hellcat possesses ample power for towing. Acceleration, passing maneuvers, and tackling inclines are effortless, with the 6.2L supercharged HEMI® engine barely breaking a sweat. The engine’s power is seamlessly managed by the ZF 8HP95 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and precise shifts.
Braking performance is equally impressive. The Durango SRT Hellcat is equipped with massive 6-piston Brembo brakes up front, featuring nearly 14-inch rotors. This robust factory brake system, combined with trailer brakes, ensures confident and fade-free braking performance. While lacking an exhaust brake found in some diesel trucks, the Durango SRT Hellcat’s braking capability is comparable to heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 3500.
Fuel economy while towing is a realistic consideration. Few vehicles achieve exceptional fuel efficiency when towing, with heavy-duty diesel trucks often performing better due to their design. During this particular towing trip, the Durango SRT Hellcat averaged a respectable 12 mpg. While the route didn’t involve extreme mountain passes, this figure exceeded initial expectations. The optimal fuel-saving strategy observed was utilizing Tow mode for initial setup and then switching to Street mode for extended highway cruising.
Handling, even in challenging conditions, remained composed. The test drive included stretches of heavy rain, where the full-time all-wheel-drive system instilled confidence and stability. Despite the large trailer and absence of a weight distribution hitch, the Durango maintained excellent stability even at 70 mph. Concerns about trailer sway or feeling pushed around by the trailer proved unfounded. Steering remained solid and predictable, mirroring the feel of driving without a trailer.
Finally, the “cool factor” is undeniable. Towing with a Durango SRT Hellcat is an unmatched experience in terms of style and presence. Few vehicles can combine 8,700 lbs towing capacity with the ability to haul a family and gear, and then effortlessly transition to high-performance drag racing. The Hellcat Durango redefines versatility and makes towing not just a task, but an event.
