Today, we delve into a vehicle that sets records: the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT. This SUV holds the title of the fastest three-row SUV in the world, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, and completing a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. Join me as I explore how the Durango SRT masterfully combines the essence of American muscle cars with the practicality of a family SUV.

Exterior Design

The standout feature of the Durango's design is its aggressive styling, particularly in the SRT version. With a prominent hood and cooling vents, it radiates a sporty aura. The front grille, painted in black and adorned with the SRT emblem, enhances its fierce look. It rides on striking 20-inch black wheels, complemented by eye-catching red Brembo brakes, and features large exhaust outlets at the rear—an unmistakably sporty design.

Interior Design

The interior boasts leather seats that ensure both comfort and support, featuring electric adjustments along with heating and cooling options. There's ample space across all three rows, with the second row equipped with multimedia screens, climate control, and USB charging ports.

The Durango offers a generous cargo capacity starting from 481 liters behind the third row, expandable to 1360 liters with the third row folded down, and up to 2406 liters with the second row down. This surpasses the cargo space in both the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

While we could discuss the interior materials, which include lightweight plastics, or the extensive storage compartments throughout the vehicle, such details are secondary to the experience offered by the Durango SRT.

Technological Features

The Durango SRT is equipped with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system that includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support. It also features front and rear sensors, a rearview camera, and a movement alert system that applies the brakes if a potential collision is detected. The sound system is a premium beats audio system, and the climate control is a tri-zone system that can be managed via buttons on the dashboard or the touchscreen.

Additionally, the vehicle includes a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster that mimics the gauge layout, allowing customization of the information displayed through steering wheel controls. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and seven airbags.

Driving Experience

At the heart of the Durango SRT is its powerful "392 cubic inch" HEMI V8 engine, boasting a capacity of 6.4 liters. This formidable engine delivers 475 horsepower and 637 Nm of torque, enabling the nearly 2.5-ton SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds during our test drive.

The engine's roar will satisfy enthusiasts of American muscle, especially combined with the iconic sound from the dual exhausts designed for the SRT. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters, which enhances shifting performance when transitioning from "Auto" to "Sport" mode, increasing shift resistance by up to 50%. In "Track" mode, shifts occur at lightning speed, reaching 160 milliseconds.

In my opinion, the Dodge Durango SRT is one of the most stable muscle cars currently available. This stability is attributed to its sporty suspension, which enhances the driving experience and can be adjusted based on the driving mode. Additionally, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system distributes power among all four wheels for optimum performance. To monitor this performance, the Durango includes a performance tracking system similar to that found in other SRT models like the Charger and Challenger, allowing you to track acceleration times for 0 to 100 km/h and 0 to 160 km/h. To assist in achieving the best straight-line acceleration, the Durango features a "Launch" button that optimizes engine performance, transmission response, and suspension settings.

Conclusion

The Dodge Durango SRT is one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have tested, successfully merging the practicality of a large family SUV with the thrill of a high-performance muscle car. With a price tag around 300,000 AED, it stands out as a remarkable option in our market that should not be overlooked.