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2018 Dodge Durango SRT Preview

Dodge Durango SRT: The Ultimate Performance SUV | MotorVero

2018 Dodge Durango SRT: The Ultimate Performance SUV

Dodge Durango SRT

Where brute force meets family practicality in a 475-horsepower package

When Dodge decided to inject SRT performance DNA into their three-row family hauler, they created something extraordinary—the Durango SRT. This isn't just another SUV with a sporty badge; it's a legitimate performance machine that happens to seat six comfortably while towing up to 8,600 pounds. Let's examine why this American muscle SUV stands apart from competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Ford Explorer Sport.

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Key Specifications at a Glance:

  • Engine: 6.4L HEMI® V-8 (392 cubic inches)
  • Power: 475 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 470 lb-ft torque @ 4,300 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds
  • Transmission: TorqueFlite® 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Active-on-demand AWD system
  • Top Speed: 180 mph (speedometer-limited)
  • Towing Capacity: 8,600 lbs with trailer sway control

Exterior Design: Aggressive Styling Meets Functional Aerodynamics

The Durango SRT transforms the conventional SUV silhouette into something far more menacing. Dodge's designers didn't just add cosmetic enhancements—every visual element serves a performance purpose:

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Functional Hood Scoop & Heat Extractors

The prominent hood scoop forces air into the intake while dual heat extractors efficiently manage engine bay temperatures during aggressive driving.

Performance-Optimized Front Fascia

A redesigned grille with mesh inserts feeds air to the radiator, while new cold-air ducts and LED fog lights complete the aggressive face.

Wheel & Tire Package

20-inch forged aluminum wheels with a gloss black finish wear 295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires for exceptional grip.

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The "392" badges on the front fenders pay homage to the cubic-inch displacement of the legendary HEMI V-8 beneath the hood. Wider wheel arches accommodate the performance rubber, while body-colored rocker panels maintain clean lines. This is an SUV that visually communicates its capabilities before you even turn the key.

Interior: Performance Luxury with Family-Friendly Space

three-row muscle SUV

While the exterior shouts performance, the cabin blends SRT-specific touches with Durango practicality. The six-seat configuration (with second-row captain's chairs) ensures comfort for all occupants while maintaining the SUV's utility.

SRT-Specific Interior Features:

  • Flat-bottom steering wheel: Wrapped in premium leather with magnesium paddle shifters
  • Custom instrument cluster: 7-inch TFT display with performance telemetry
  • Hand-wrapped dashboard: Featuring contrast stitching (silver or Demonic Red)
  • Embossed SRT logos: On front and second-row seatbacks
  • Standard BeatsAudio™ system: 506-watt amplifier powering 9 speakers and subwoofer
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The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen includes exclusive SRT Performance Pages, allowing drivers to monitor everything from 0-60 times to lateral G-forces. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps passengers connected, while available Nappa leather and suede upholstery elevate the cabin ambiance.

Performance Engineering: More Than Just a Big Engine

While the 6.4L HEMI V-8 (shared with the Charger and Challenger SRT models) delivers thunderous acceleration, the Durango SRT's engineering goes far beyond raw power numbers.

Chassis & Suspension Upgrades

To handle the increased performance, Dodge engineers implemented:

  • Bilstein® adaptive damping suspension with three-mode adjustment
  • Stiffer springs (15% front/16% rear increase over R/T model)
  • Reinforced rear sway bar (24mm diameter)
  • Unique knuckles and suspension geometry
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Braking System

Stopping power matches the acceleration:

  • Brembo® 6-piston front/4-piston rear calipers
  • 15-inch front/13.8-inch rear drilled rotors
  • High-performance brake pads

7-Mode Drive System

The SRT Drive Mode computer transforms vehicle dynamics:

Track Mode

  • 70% rear torque bias
  • 160ms shift speeds
  • Reduced stability intervention
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Tow Mode

performance SUV

  • Optimized shift points
  • Enhanced cooling
  • Trailer sway mitigation

Snow Mode

  • 50/50 torque split
  • 2nd gear starts
  • Full stability control

Practical Performance: When You Need to Carry More Than Speed

What sets the Durango SRT apart from sports cars and even two-row performance SUVs is its remarkable versatility:

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Cargo & Towing Capabilities

 6.4L Hemi V-8

  • Maximum towing: 8,600 lbs (when properly equipped)
  • Cargo volume: 85.1 cu ft with seats folded
  • Payload capacity: 1,320 lbs

Family-Friendly Features

  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Power liftgate with hands-free operation
  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection
  • Available rear-seat entertainment system

Safety & Driver Assistance Technology

The Durango SRT includes advanced safety systems to match its performance:

Collision Mitigation

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking helps prevent or reduce frontal impacts.

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Adaptive Cruise Control

Maintains set speed while automatically adjusting following distance in traffic.

Uconnect Access

Includes emergency calling, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle tracking.



How It Compares to Rivals

The Durango SRT occupies a unique space in the performance SUV market:

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Model Horsepower 0-60 mph Seating Towing
Dodge Durango SRT 475 hp 4.4s 6 8,600 lbs
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 475 hp 4.6s 5 7,200 lbs
Ford Explorer ST 400 hp 5.5s 7 5,600 lbs

The Durango SRT's combination of three-row seating, class-leading towing, and sub-5-second 0-60 times makes it uniquely capable among performance SUVs.

The Verdict: Unmatched Performance Versatility

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT represents a rare breed—an SUV that doesn't force you to choose between family practicality and thrilling performance. With its 475-horsepower HEMI V-8, sophisticated AWD system, and seven selectable drive modes, it delivers sports car excitement in a package that can still handle carpool duty or tow your boat to the lake.

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While competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT might offer similar power in a more luxurious wrapper, none combine this level of performance with three-row seating and serious towing capacity. The Durango SRT proves you don't need to sacrifice utility for adrenaline—you can genuinely have both.

For buyers who want uncompromising performance without giving up family functionality, the Durango SRT stands alone as the ultimate performance SUV.

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Motorveroben

Last Updated On Sep, 04-2025

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