BEHIND THE WHEEL: My little green machine with a monster engine; the Dodge Durango Hellcat

Yep, that’s right. A Dodge Durango, thumbs up and… in a Hellcat version?

What, you say?

Another head turner.

This time people rolling down their windows at red lights to tell me I’m awesome because I’m sitting behind the wheel of the 2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat.

I’ll take the compliment.

Even in the sandbox with all its friends: i.e. think the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk or the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 and you still have a machine that is 5,567 pounds of SUV, but a zero to 60 in under four seconds and a top speed that is roughly 190 miles per hour.

Take note of the well-sized touch screen and the real world apocalypse abilities for off roading. It is 4WD with low-range gearing and you can go anywhere.

The 2021 Dodge Durango comes in six trim levels from the SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT 392 to the best in show SRT Hellcat. This trim also offers a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a Blacktop package with black painted wheels and blacked-out exterior trim.

Under the hood, the Dodge Durango comes with a choice of V6 or one of three V8 engine choices. There is also the standard rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an option however, it is standard on the SRTs.

The SRT Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter engine with V8 is super sexy even for a big SUV with 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Take note too of the Brembo brakes and performance tires to make braking oh, so easy.  Also there is the adaptive suspension and sport’s seats with extra cushy leather. Some added fun; the shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and wheel-mounted paddle shifters that comes standard.

Safety on such a sparky ride is a big deal and you get two front and rear headrests, turn signal mirrors, dual front side-mounted airbags, front, rear and third row head airbags, stability control, remote anti-theft auto system, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, and LED headlamp to name a few.

There is plenty of room all around with front seatback storage; front, rear and third row cupholders, keyless ignition, three zone climate control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated steering wheel, front and rear door pockets and parking sensors and interior air filtration.

Call it a muscle car and you would be right, in this case a fancy family muscle car so the whole crew can get involved.

The design is standout – strong and sexy and it does impress. It is what is called “square shouldered” and it is a head turner even if the engine weren’t so all inspiring.

Inside you can fit seven passengers and still tow and accelerate like you have somewhere to go. And you will, because in the 2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat you will be thinking of somewhere to go just so you will have a reason to drive.

SHOULD YOU NEED TO KNOW:  Take note of the exceptionally worthy towing ability on this V8 muscle mama.

MILES:  The 2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat I drove got 12 miles to the gallon in the city and 17 on the highway.

COST: Price tag on the 2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat I had under my command came in at $80,995.