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The Dodge Durango SRT is the only three-row family SUV with a 475-horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8. It tows 8,700 lbs, seats seven, and runs 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Nothing else does all three simultaneously.
Durango SRT Specs
- Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8 — 475 hp, 470 lb-ft torque
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Quarter mile: 12.9 seconds
- Towing: 8,700 lbs
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD standard
- Seating: 7 passengers
- Brakes: Brembo 6-piston front, 4-piston rear
Model Year Breakdown
2018-2019: First SRT generation. Older Uconnect 8.4 infotainment but mechanically solid — the best value on the used market.
2020: Widebody treatment added. Wider fenders, bigger rubber, more aggressive stance.
2021: The standout year. Dodge added the limited Durango SRT Hellcat — one year only, 710 hp, same supercharged 6.2L as the Trackhawk. Already a collector car — expect $90,000+ for clean examples.
2022-2025: Back to the 6.4L SRT with minor updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
2026: The Durango SRT Hellcat returns as the Jailbreak edition with 710 hp and over 6 million customization combinations. The entire 2026 US Durango lineup goes all-HEMI.
Common Durango SRT Problems
Lifter tick on cold starts — Standard 6.4L HEMI behavior. Monitor it; if it persists after the engine warms up, get it inspected.
Transfer case fluid leaks — The Durango’s heavier curb weight stresses the transfer case. Inspect regularly and change fluid every 30,000 miles.
Rear differential wear — Common on high-mileage examples. Listen for whining under acceleration. Service every 30,000 miles.
Brake fade — The stock Brembos are excellent but the Durango’s extra weight accelerates pad wear. Upgrade to Hawk HPS 5.0 or EBC Yellowstuff for aggressive driving.
Carbon buildup on intake valves — Direct injection means no fuel washing the valves. Plan for an intake cleaning every 40,000-50,000 miles.
Best Mods for the Durango SRT — With HP Gains
Cold air intake — +10-15 hp ($300-500)
A quality intake from K&N, Volant, or Mopar Performance adds 10-15 hp and noticeably improves throttle response. Install guide: Watch on YouTube
ECU tune — +25-40 hp ($400-800)
Livernois Motorsports mail-in tuning or a Diablo Sport Trinity 2 handheld tuner. A tune alone on the Durango SRT pushes output past 510 hp. Combined with an intake, expect 520-530 hp.
Catback exhaust — +5-10 hp ($800-1,400)
The stock Durango SRT exhaust is surprisingly quiet for a HEMI. A Borla catback or Corsa Sport opens it up dramatically while keeping it livable with a full cabin of passengers. Install guide: Watch on YouTube
Brake pad upgrade ($150-250)
Essential if you’ve added power. The Durango’s weight eats pads faster than the lighter GC SRT. Hawk HPS 5.0 front and rear is the go-to upgrade — dramatically better heat resistance with no daily drivability penalty.
Transmission cooler ($150-300)
Essential if you tow regularly near the 8,700-lb limit. A quality transmission cooler kit protects the ZF 8-speed under sustained heavy loads.
Power Gains Summary
- Cold air intake: +10-15 hp
- ECU tune: +20-30 hp
- Intake + tune combined: +35-50 hp
- Add catback exhaust: +5-10 hp more
- Full Stage 1: ~520-535 hp — up from 475 stock
Maintenance Schedule
- Oil: Every 5,000-6,000 miles, full synthetic 5W-20. Use a Mopar oil filter for best fit.
- Spark plugs: Every 30,000 miles. NGK iridium plugs are a solid OEM-quality replacement.
- Transmission fluid: Every 40,000 miles normal, 25,000 if towing regularly
- Transfer case fluid: Every 30,000 miles
- Rear differential: Every 30,000 miles
- Brake fluid: Flush every 2 years. Motul RBF 600 is a high-performance brake fluid upgrade worth having.
Related Articles
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: The Complete Owner’s Guide — The two-row alternative with the same HEMI DNA.
Dodge SRT in 2026: The HEMI Is Back, the TRX Returns — Full breakdown of the 2026 Durango Hellcat Jailbreak.
SRT Diagnostic Tool — Something feel off after a mod? Get a specific diagnosis.