2018 Dodge Durango Lineup Gets Some SRT Attitude

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT that was shown for the first time in February at the Chicago auto show looks almost as fast and fierce as it is. It drew attention—and not just because it promised 475 hp from its 6.4-liter V-8. So the execs at Dodge have decided to capitalize on that by giving the 2018 Dodge Durango R/T a similar look.

The R/T gets the same front fascia and performance hood with a center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors and a lower valence for the new cold air duct system and fog lamps. It has the 360-hp 5.7-litere V-8.

And if you go for the Durango GT with the Blacktop or Brass Monkey Appearance package, the performance hood is an option. GTs have the 295-hp 3.6-liter V-6.

Tim Kuniskis, head of Passenger Car Brands at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said the Dodge brand has successfully used models such as its Challenger Hellcats and new Demon, and a 475-hp Durango three-row SUV to establish its performance reputation. When horsepower and torque are your model stepladder, you have the latitude to bring other features further down the model line because performance specs keep the hierarchy in order. “We can give other vehicles the same feel and attitude of the high-line vehicles without diminishing the halo because it is based on performance. You can’t do it without differentiating on performance.”

The R/T and SRT will also be available in a new B5 Blue exterior color for 2018 but later in the model year. The instrument cluster is different with the tachometer in the middle. There is also a synthetic suede headliner, new steering wheel, and stitching on the leather dash.

All 2018 Durangos abandon the rotary gear shifter for the gated T-shifter in the SRT. They also gain a backup camera and sport steering wheel. The R/Ts also receive a nine-speaker BeatsAudio sound system and front park assist. GT also comes with a power liftgate and leather and suede seats as standard equipment.

The Durango SRT will start at $62,995. Pricing for the rest of the Durango lineup has not been announced but Kuniskis said essentially a $43,000 R/T with a 5.7-liter engine—the most popular Durango—will have the same fascia and look and feeling as the SRT. The 2018 models go on sale this

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