The allure of the Hellcat engine is undeniable, especially when paired with all-wheel drive (AWD) in vehicles like the Ram TRX and the Durango Hellcat DDHC. For enthusiasts craving monstrous horsepower and versatile capabilities, the choice between these two Mopar beasts can be a real head-scratcher. One forum user, currently enjoying a 2022 Ram TRX, is contemplating a trade for a new Durango Hellcat DDHC, and his query highlights the core considerations for anyone facing this exciting dilemma.
Having previously owned Raptors and a BMW X3M40i, the user appreciates the TRX’s “awesome powertrain,” interior quality, comfortable ride, and technology. However, the sheer size and relative lack of agility of the TRX are drawbacks. The Durango Hellcat DDHC, on the other hand, is praised for its aggressive looks, outrageous performance, and reported agility and comfortable ride. Yet, concerns arise regarding its “aged design,” less luxurious interior compared to the TRX, and the absence of certain tech features like a 360 camera, HUD, and rear-view mirror camera. Importantly, the user clarifies that neither a pickup truck bed nor three rows of seating are necessities; the driving force is the desire for the AWD Hellcat powertrain.
Ram TRX parked in a driveway
To delve deeper into this comparison, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental structural differences between these vehicles, which significantly impact their driving dynamics and ride characteristics. The Ram TRX, like other Ram 1500 trucks, utilizes a body-on-frame construction. This traditional truck architecture features a robust ladder frame that absorbs much of the torsional flex induced by uneven road surfaces. The cabin, mounted separately to this frame, is further insulated from vibrations, contributing to the TRX’s smooth ride, especially on rough terrain.
In contrast, the Durango Hellcat DDHC employs a unibody structure, similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. In a unibody design, the body and frame are integrated into a single unit. This construction relies heavily on the torsional rigidity of the unibody itself to manage stress and vibrations. While the current generation Durango shares structural similarities with the WK2 Grand Cherokee, its torsional rigidity is considered relatively low by modern standards. Furthermore, the Durango’s longer wheelbase and heavier curb weight compared to the Grand Cherokee may exacerbate this characteristic.
For standard versions of the Durango or Grand Cherokee, the softer suspension and higher-profile tires effectively mitigate the impact of lower torsional rigidity by absorbing road imperfections. However, the high-performance DDHC, with its sport-tuned suspension and lower-profile tires, has less of this built-in buffer. Therefore, a thorough test drive of the Durango Hellcat DDHC, particularly on roads with varying surface conditions, is paramount. This will allow potential buyers to assess firsthand how the unibody structure handles real-world road irregularities and whether it meets their expectations for ride comfort and refinement compared to the body-on-frame TRX.
Ultimately, the choice between a Hellcat Trx and a Durango Hellcat DDHC hinges on individual priorities. The TRX offers a more rugged, truck-centric experience with a plush interior and advanced technology, albeit in a larger, less agile package. The Durango DDHC counters with SUV versatility, potentially sharper handling due to its unibody construction (though torsional rigidity is a point to consider), and the same exhilarating Hellcat power, but with a slightly less modern interior and fewer tech gadgets. Test driving both vehicles extensively is the best way to determine which Hellcat-powered AWD beast truly reigns supreme for your specific needs and preferences.
