The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a rare breed in today’s automotive landscape—a three-row SUV that prioritizes raw, unapologetic power over electrified efficiency. With a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 710 horsepower, a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds, and a starting price hovering around $100,000 (up to $115,000 for special editions like the Hammerhead), this muscle-bound SUV is as exhilarating as it is polarizing. But can a vehicle this extreme serve as a practical daily driver? Is it worth its hefty price tag in a market filled with refined luxury SUVs? In this comprehensive review, we dive into the Durango SRT Hellcat’s performance, practicality, technology, and real-world driving experience to find out.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects opinions based on available reviews and data. Prices, specifications, and availability may vary by region. Always consult official sources or a Dodge dealership for accurate information. High-performance vehicles carry risks; drive responsibly and within legal limits.
Overview: The Last V8 Durango
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the pinnacle of the Durango lineup, a model that embodies Dodge’s “Brotherhood of Muscle” ethos. Introduced initially in 2021 and revived for 2025 due to popular demand, the 2025 model is touted as the final V8-powered Durango, with special editions like the Hammerhead featuring unique styling cues such as Night Moves blue paint and Hammerhead Grey Laguna leather seats. Powered by a supercharged HEMI V8, it delivers supercar-level performance in a family-friendly package, boasting three-row seating and a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.
Recent reviews and posts on X highlight its “insane” performance, with a top speed of 180 mph and a “screaming supercharger” that turns heads. However, its old-school design, thirsty fuel economy, and premium price raise questions about its value as a daily driver. Let’s explore whether this beast can tame the daily grind while justifying its cost.
Design and Styling: Bold, Brash, and Unapologetic
Exterior: A Muscle Car in SUV Clothing
The 2025 Durango SRT Hellcat is unmistakable, with an aggressive stance that screams performance. Its wide grille, functional hood scoop, and LED headlights give it a menacing face, while 20-inch alloy wheels and red Brembo brake calipers hint at its capabilities. The Hammerhead edition adds a dark blue Night Moves exterior and subtle carbon-fiber accents, enhancing its visual appeal. Reviewers describe it as a “muscle car disguised as a family SUV,” with a design that’s “big, brawny, and decidedly all-American.”
Compared to sleek competitors like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 M, the Durango’s aesthetics are less refined but undeniably bold. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it look, with X users praising its “intimidating” presence and “howling exhaust.” However, the dated platform—rooted in a decades-old architecture—lacks the modern polish of newer SUVs.
Interior: Functional but Showing Its Age
Inside, the Durango SRT Hellcat offers a spacious cabin with seven-passenger seating and premium touches like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The Hammerhead edition’s Grey Laguna leather adds a touch of luxury, but the overall interior feels a step behind rivals. Hard plastics, dated switchgear, and a design that hasn’t evolved significantly since the early 2010s betray its age. Reviewers note that while the cabin is “functional and roomy,” it lacks the sophistication of a $100,000 vehicle.
Cargo space is a strong point, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—competitive with rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The second and third rows are surprisingly accommodating, making it a viable family hauler. However, the infotainment system, while upgraded, feels clunky compared to newer platforms, and the build quality doesn’t match the price tag.
Performance: A 710-HP Thrill Ride
Engine and Powertrain
The star of the show is the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it launches the 5,500-pound SUV from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in about 11.5 seconds. These figures, verified by CarBuzz, place it among the quickest SUVs available, rivaling the likes of the Lamborghini Urus.
The engine’s “screaming supercharger” and “howling exhaust” create a visceral experience, with X posts describing it as “heart-racing” and “insane.” Launch control and multiple drive modes (including Track, Sport, and Tow) allow drivers to tailor the performance, though the V8’s roar is ever-present. Fuel economy is a major drawback, with an estimated 13-15 mpg combined, making daily commutes costly.
Handling and Ride Quality
Despite its performance credentials, the Durango SRT Hellcat’s handling is a mixed bag. The suspension strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort, but the steering feel and braking performance are “old-school,” lacking the precision of European rivals. Car and Driver notes that it “walks the fine line between sportiness and comfort,” but its hefty weight and high center of gravity limit its agility on twisty roads.
On the plus side, the all-wheel-drive system and Pirelli performance tires provide excellent grip, and the Brembo brakes deliver strong stopping power. For daily driving, the ride is firm but not punishing, absorbing bumps well enough for city streets and highways. However, it’s no match for the Porsche Cayenne GTS’s razor-sharp dynamics or the BMW X5 M’s refinement.
Driving Impressions
As a daily driver, the Durango SRT Hellcat is both thrilling and challenging. In normal conditions, it’s surprisingly docile, with a smooth transmission and comfortable seats that make long commutes tolerable. The V8’s low-end torque makes merging onto highways effortless, and the spacious cabin accommodates family duties with ease. Reviewers who’ve daily-driven it praise its versatility, with one calling it a “workhorse for school runs and grocery hauls.”
Switch to Sport or Track mode, and the Hellcat unleashes its full potential. The acceleration is “neck-snapping,” and the exhaust note turns every drive into an event. However, the poor fuel economy, firm ride, and dated handling make it less practical for urban environments. Posts on X highlight its appeal for enthusiasts who “love HEMI power” but acknowledge its compromises for daily use.
Technology and Features
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Durango SRT Hellcat features a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system is responsive, with clear graphics and customizable menus, but it’s not as intuitive as newer platforms from BMW or Mercedes. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivers crisp sound, and a wireless charging pad is standard. Reviewers appreciate the large screen but note occasional lag and a learning curve for some functions.
The digital gauge cluster is configurable, displaying performance metrics like g-forces and 0-60 times, which add to the enthusiast appeal. However, the lack of a head-up display or advanced passenger-side touchscreen feels like a miss at this price point.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Durango SRT Hellcat includes a decent suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, its driver-assistance tech lags behind competitors, with no semi-autonomous driving capabilities like those found in the Audi Q8 or Cadillac Escalade. Safety ratings are solid, but the dated platform may not match the crash-test performance of newer designs.
Practicality: A Family Hauler with Muscle
The Durango SRT Hellcat shines as a family SUV, with three-row seating and ample cargo space. It can tow up to 8,700 pounds, making it ideal for hauling trailers or boats. The third row is usable for kids or smaller adults, and the second row offers generous legroom. For daily tasks like school drop-offs or grocery runs, it’s “shockingly practical,” as one reviewer noted.
However, practicality comes with caveats. The fuel economy is a significant hurdle, with frequent gas station visits adding to ownership costs. The firm suspension can feel jarring on rough roads, and the large turning radius makes parking in tight spaces cumbersome. Compared to rivals like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Lincoln Navigator, the Durango’s interior feels less luxurious, which may deter buyers expecting a $100,000 experience.
Pricing and Value: Worth $100K?
The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat starts at around $95,000, with well-equipped models and special editions like the Hammerhead pushing past $115,000. At this price, it competes with luxury performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne GTS ($126,895), BMW X5 M ($123,300), and Audi SQ8 ($97,800). While the Hellcat undercuts some rivals, its dated platform and lack of refinement raise questions about its value.
Pros:
- Unmatched 710-hp V8 performance
- Spacious three-row seating and strong towing capacity
- Unique, bold styling and enthusiast appeal
- Versatile for family duties and spirited drives
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy (13-15 mpg combined)
- Dated interior and platform
- Firm ride and imprecise handling
- High price for limited luxury and tech
Reviewers are split on its worth. Some, like those on X, argue it’s a “bargain” for its power and practicality, especially as the last V8 Durango. Others, including Car and Driver, suggest that competitors offer better refinement and efficiency for the price. For buyers who prioritize performance and nostalgia, the Hellcat is a compelling choice, but those seeking luxury or modernity may look elsewhere.
Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
The Durango SRT Hellcat faces stiff competition in the performance SUV segment:
- Porsche Cayenne GTS: Offers superior handling and a luxurious interior but less power (493 hp) and a higher price.
- BMW X5 M: Delivers 617 hp and cutting-edge tech but lacks the Durango’s three-row seating.
- Audi SQ8: Balances refinement and performance (500 hp) but feels less visceral.
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Matches the Durango’s size and towing but prioritizes luxury over sportiness.
The Hellcat’s unique selling point is its raw power and three-row layout, making it a niche option for families who crave muscle-car thrills. However, its compromises in refinement and efficiency make it less versatile than rivals.
Verdict: A Daily Driver Worth $100K?
The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a paradox—an SUV that defies convention with its supercar-like performance and family-friendly practicality. As a daily driver, it’s surprisingly capable, handling school runs, commutes, and long trips with ease. The 710-hp V8 delivers an unmatched adrenaline rush, and the spacious cabin accommodates family needs. For enthusiasts who cherish HEMI power and the Durango’s “last V8” status, it’s a bucket-list vehicle that delivers unforgettable thrills.
However, its drawbacks are significant. The poor fuel economy, dated interior, and firm ride make daily driving costly and less comfortable than alternatives. At $100,000, it struggles to compete with the refinement and technology of rivals like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 M. For the average buyer, the Durango SRT 392—offering 475 hp at a lower price—may be a smarter choice.
Is it worth $100,000? If you value raw power, bold styling, and the ability to haul seven passengers while outrunning sports cars, the answer is yes. But for those seeking a balanced, luxurious daily driver, the Hellcat’s compromises may outweigh its charms. As one X user put it, it’s “the last of its kind”—a fitting swan song for Dodge’s V8 legacy.
