2019 Dodge Durango SRT

Overview

Strap the kids in tight, secure the groceries in the cargo area, activate the launch-control feature, and watch the tedium of running weekend errands fade—fast. The 2019 Dodge Durango SRT is a three-row muscle ute that cares not about sipping fuel or obeying noise ordinances. Under its vented hood lies 475 horsepower worth of Hemi V-8 driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic—a combination that rockets this spacious and comfortable SUV to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with plenty of drama along the way. If you're looking to make a splash at the next parent-teacher conference, put the Durango SRT on your shopping list.

What's New for 2019?

Changes are few and far between for Dodge's performance crossover. A new, optional 825-watt Harman/Kardon sound system boasts 19 speakers, and two new wheel finishes are available (Matte Vapor and Brass Monkey). Otherwise, this well-muscled SUV carries over to 2019 unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2019 Durango SRT comes standard with the majority of the Durango lineup's most sought-after features, including an 8.4-inch infotainment display with navigation, leather seats with heat and ventilation for the first row, and heated second-row captain's chairs. We'd spring for two worthy upgrades: the Premium Interior Group adds a beautiful hand-wrapped leatherette dashboard with contrast stitching and carbon-fiber trim. We'd also get the High Performance Laguna Leather sport seats; we found them supportive and comfortable in the SRT we tested.

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Ferocious acceleration, glorious muscle-car exhaust note, sharp and communicative steering.
Dislikes: Transmission still upshifts automatically when in manual mode, seriously stiff ride in all but the mildest driving mode.

The Durango SRT's 6.4-liter V-8, dubbed the 392—the 1950s-era 392-cubic-inch Hemi was one of Chrysler's most revered engines—gives it far more gusto than most people need in a three-row SUV. But we're not most people, and if you're reading this, you probably aren't, either. The Durango SRT lays down its power in a smooth, linear fashion, is brutally quick, and sounds oh, so glorious under heavy throttle. Come to think of it, the Durango SRT's V-8 sounds throaty and thunderous even at half throttle, which is good, because full-throttle situations on public roads lead quickly to sorry-officer speeds. At our test track, the Durango SRT managed a blistering 4.7-second run to 60 mph, just 0.3 second behind the similarly powered, two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

From behind the wheel of the Durango SRT, it's easy to feel like a racing champion, even with the whole family onboard. Its steering is sharp and communicative, and the stiff suspension does a commendable job of disguising the Durango SRT's weight and high center of gravity. Over rough stretches of road, the ride is far from pillow soft, a trade-off for the performance-focused setup; the most aggressive Track mode feels downright punishing on all but the smoothest surfaces. The Durango SRT can tow 8700 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Sipping fuel is anything but the Durango SRT's forte, and the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8's 475 ponies are as thirsty in the Durango as they are in the Grand Cherokee SRT. We wish we could say the SRT brute-utes redeemed themselves in our real-world testing, but that's not the case: They both delivered 18 mpg in our real-world testing.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Seating for six, third row fit for adults, user-friendly infotainment system.
Dislikes: Cabin trimmings not special enough until options are added, narrow cargo bay behind third row.

As roomy and family friendly as the normal Durango, the SRT ups the game with standard sport seats, second-row captain's chairs, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters. The Durango's interior trimmings are decidedly sporty across the range, but the extra coin spent on the SRT model isn't immediately evident from inside the cabin. Leather seats, second-row captain's chairs, and a foldaway third row are all standard. Both first- and second-row occupants get heated seats while front seats are also cooled.

Displayed on an 8.4-inch touchscreen sitting prominently on the Durango SRT's dashboard is Dodge's version of the Fiat Chrysler Uconnect infotainment system. The software responds crisply to inputs and is very user friendly. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation are standard here, and drivers also benefit from real-time traffic and weather updates courtesy of SiriusXM Travel Link. What sets the SRT's system apart from those of lesser Durango models is the Performance Pages menu. This set of features allows users to monitor all sorts of car-geek data, such as horsepower, cornering g-force, and even acceleration-time stats. Think you can beat our 4.7-second zero-to-60-mph blast? Turn on the timer from the appropriate tab in the Performance Pages, set your launch control, and find out.

It's not the most voluminous SUV here, but the Durango SRT accommodated a significant number of our carry-on cases (26 with all seats folded) and provided adequate in-cabin storage cubby space. This grocery getter will get the job done easily, and in record time.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Without crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, we can't comment on the Durango SRT's performance in case of an accident. The standard Durango's scores in IIHS's testing were mediocre for 2018. A handful of driver-assistance features are offered, but few are standard equipment. Key safety features include:

• Standard rear automated emergency braking
• Standard automatic high-beam headlamps
• Available front automated emergency braking

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Dodge offers a wholly average warranty package for the Durango SRT, and none of its policies stand out as exceptional. However, buyers can purchase an extended warranty through their local Dodge dealership and can even select one that provides lifetime coverage for the Durango SRT. Be aware that such a warranty only applies to the first owner, however, and cannot be transferred to subsequent owners.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance