2021 Dodge Durango: Five Things to Know

Published on July 29, 2020 in Previews by Guillaume Rivard

The 2021 Dodge Durango gets a host of improvements that will please drivers (and their families) with a fondness for technology and especially big power. It’s no wonder the company describes this SUV as a five-door muscle car.

The first deliveries in Canada are scheduled for this fall. Pricing starts at $47,495. Here are five things you need to know about the 2021 Durango:

Hellcat!

Dodge’s three-row SUV is finally getting the Hellcat treatment. Available for a single model year only, the new Durango SRT Hellcat is motivated by the proven supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine. With 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, it becomes the most powerful production SUV in the world, accelerating from 0-96 km/h in 3.5 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds.

The vehicle benefits from a number of aerodynamic enhancements, such as a new front chin splitter and a unique new rear spoiler, as well as an updated engine oil cooler duct, air guide and snorkel for cold air induction. Performance is further optimized by SRT-badged Brembo brakes with six-piston callipers up front, a retuned suspension that delivers a firmer ride for sharper handling in corners, plus a bigger exhaust system emitting a characteristic muscle car sound.

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can be ordered this fall and production will stretch over six months beginning in early 2021, with no limit to the number of units. The company expects to sell a bit less than 2,000. After all, it costs a whopping $114,345.

The Only V8 in the Segment

While all of its rivals now settle for four- and six-cylinder engines, the 2021 Dodge Durango still relies on a good old V8—two, actually. The 5.7-litre HEMI in R/T generates 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.4-litre HEMI in the Durango SRT bumps those numbers to 475 and 470, respectively. Max towing capacity is rated at a class-leading 8,700 pounds.

The base engine doesn’t change, either. Producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 makes the Durango one of the most powerful SUVs under $50,000. The only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic.

More Aggressive Look

It’s not just the Hellcat; Dodge has injected an extra dose of attitude into the entire 2021 Durango lineup. The exterior features a new aggressive front fascia, new grille textures and grille surrounds available in matte black, gloss black, chrome or platinum chrome.

New standard LED headlights with a slimmer profile incorporate new signature integrated LED daytime running lights for superior lighting. They’re available with chrome or black bezels as well as automatic high beams. Several new wheel options in a 20-inch size can be specified, too.

More Refined Interior

Inspired by the Challenger, the interior of the 2021 Dodge Durango has been largely revised (steering wheel, console, instrument panel, dashboard, etc.) for a more high-tech, driver-centric environment. New Ebony Red leather in Citadel trim is particularly notable.

There are new physical buttons for drive mode selection and those for the seat memory function have been relocated for easier use. You’ll also find increased storage in the centre console.

Uconnect5

Along with the updated 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, the 2021 Dodge Durango is one of FCA’s first products to receive the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which is five times faster than the previous generation. The available 10.1-inch screen (8.4-inch screen in SXT and GT trim) is angled seven degrees toward the driver, while Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration is now wireless. Ditto for cell phone charging, 4G LTE Wi-Fi and over-the-air firmware updates.

Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity works with two separate devices at once, and built-in Amazon’s Alexa lets you control a number of vehicle functions with your voice.