2018 Dodge Durango SRT Preview

CARS.COM

Competes with: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Ford Explorer Sport

Looks like: A Durango with an aftermarket body kit

Drivetrain: 475-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8, 470 pounds-feet of torque; eight-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Late 2017

I can’t say that I ever thought that the three-row Dodge Durango SUV needed a performance model, but thankfully, the automaker is a bit more creative than I am. Dodge is unveiling the meaner-looking, more powerful 2018 Durango SRT at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

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The Durango is the second SUV from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to get an SRT version after the Jeep Grand Cherokee and, on paper, it’s absolutely bonkers: 475 hp, 470 pounds-feet of torque, a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds and seven selectable drive modes.

On top of that, it’s still a practical SUV with lots of passenger room and a robust tow rating. So yes, have your cake and eat it, too.

Exterior

The Durango SRT gets styling updates to match its performance boost. The hood has a functional scoop that is flanked by two heat extractors, which pull heat out of the engine compartment. It gives the hood a unique look that’s extremely aggressive, especially when looking down at it. The front grille adds a mesh design and the front bumper adds a new cold-air duct and new LED foglights.

Down the sides of the Durango SRT are body-colored rocker panels and “392” badges (in reference to the big Hemi engine under the hood) sit on the front fenders. The wheel flares have also been amped up and help draw the eye to the 20-inch, five-spoke wheels with a black finish. The SRT looks much meaner than your run-of-the-mill Durango; it won’t be mistaken for any of the other Durango trims.

Interior

The Durango SRT only comes in six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs.  Aside from that, the basic layout of the SRT model’s cabin doesn’t deviate much from the standard model, but there are a few touches that distinguish it. A flat-bottom SRT steering wheel is new, as is a hand-wrapped dashboard with silver accent stitching. There are also embossed SRT logos in the first two rows of seats. With the standard Nappa leather and suede upholstery, the logos are in silver, but with the optional Demonic Red Laguna interior, the logos are embossed in red.

A 7-inch customizable thin-film transistor display sits in the instrument panel alongside a speedometer that runs all the way up to 180 mph. The center console houses an 8.4-inch touchscreen for the Uconnect multimedia system, which adds SRT Performance Pages to its functionality. The system also offers navigation, HD radio, five years of SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. A BeatsAudio sound system is standard as well, with nine speakers, a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier.

Under the Hood

Most of the SRT’s performance credentials come thanks to that massive 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 under the hood, which pumps out 475 hp and 470 pounds-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system.

Beyond the big engine, the Durango SRT also gets suspension and electronics upgrades to help handle all that power. The SRT features a new Bilstein adaptive damping system, stiffer front and rear springs, and a stiffer rear sway bar for improved stability. To stop all that horsepower, there are Brembo brake calipers with drilled rotors at all four corners.

The Durango SRT also adds a new drive system that comes with seven(!) different modes: Street, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Valet and Eco. Each mode changes the throttle and engine mapping, torque distribution, suspension feel, shift points and stability control intervention. For example, Track mode causes the transmission to shift faster, with 160-millisecond shifts, moves torque up to 70 percent to the rear wheels and stability control allows for “maximum yaw,” a.k.a. you can slide around more easily. But in Snow, torque is always split 50/50 for maximum traction, the stability control is turned all the way up and the SRT starts in 2nd gear to minimize slippage during launch.

In addition to its performance credentials, the Durango SRT doesn’t forget the “utility” part of the equation, with a towing capacity of 8,600 pounds. Trailer-sway control comes standard as well.

Safety

Available safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and Uconnect Access with 911 calling and roadside assistance.

Pricing information for the Durango SRT is not yet available, but Dodge says it will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2017.