I’m so glad this still exists

2024 was supposed to be the last year of the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, but here we are deep in 2025 with a new model – which is good news for power freaks. Sure, it’s not as fast as some electric SUVs, but the primal scream of its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, and its violent thrust make this an epic driver. Even under slight acceleration, you can hear the supercharger spool up – and it’s kind of addicting.

I’ve driven the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat several times, in multiple states. It’s always a kick to play with, but I’ve never used one as a daily driver. I assure you, driving the kids to school, and pickup up groceries takes on a new meaning driving something this savage. Even compared to vehicles like the mighty Lamborghini Urus, this thing is a beast.

What’s new for 2025?

There are three special edition Durango SRT Hellcats for this year: the Silver Bullet, Hammerhead, and Brass Monkey. Aside from the possibility of referencing Bob Seger, The Offspring, and The Beastie Boys, it looks like these names are based on the specific trim’s colors and design themes. Price-wise, the long-in tooth, yet still valid base model Durango V6, starts at under $39,000, the Hemi V8 R/T start at just over $50,000, and the three special edition Hellcats start at an eye-watering $101,290.

The formula remains the same: the 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that makes 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The power is funneled through a heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Despite weighing over 5,500-lbs, the Durango SRT Hellcat has been clocked to run from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.5-seconds. Oh, and it can tow over 8,700-lbs as well. Additionally, with its massive brakes and six-piston Brembo calipers, it can stop from 70 mph in a shorter distance than a Mini Cooper S 2-door.

Daily driving a beast

A handful of drivers knew I was driving something special, and most of them were driving sports cars, or muscle cars. As I watched the gas gauge drop in real-time, I couldn’t help myself with bombastic spurts of speed. If I needed to pass, I hit the “loud” pedal and giggled like I was a 7-year old. For such a heavy rig, I was truly surprised at how compliant the ride was. The SRT tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, wide tires and stiffened chassis all help. Sure, it’s stiff, but not as jarring as most sports cars I’ve driven and with those overly supportive seats, daily driving comfort is better than expected.

It handles better than expected as well. I think the BMW X5 M will out-corner it, but not by that much. I’m pretty sure the Hellcat is faster, and it has a LOT more personality. In fact, compared to everything but vehicles like the Aston Martin DBX, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is simply more entertaining. Despite its exuberant price, it’s a performance bargain.

Even with its supercar levels of performance, this a family-friendly beast as well. My family easily fit, and there’s room in the tight third row for little ones. It holds up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded, and, as I mentioned before, it tows up to 8,700-lbs. Durango Hellcats use the Uconnect 5 UX system displayed on a clear, if small-ish, 10.1-inch touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is also standard.

Final thoughts

Getting between 11 and 12 mpg around town hurt, and there was little I could do about it given the juvenile antics this thing brought out of me. It’s so much fun to spool it up and let it loose that economy was the furthest thing from my mind. If anything, my only logical complaint is the fact that it looks so much like other Durangos that people have no idea how insane it actually is… until they hear the scream of its exhaust.

Look, I know it’s illogical, expensive and a bit of an anachronism, but it’s so much fun to drive, and so zany – it makes me smile. I think getting dreadful gas mileage, and spending this much on a family hauler makes tons of sense if you seek driving pleasure. One way or another, the 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will make you smile.

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