Sam Krahn 
The Dodge Durango has matured with a sense of grace. Most recently, the SUV has come to its own as one of the most entertaining three-row vehicles you can buy on the market today. This is largely thanks to the Durango SRT 392, which has all of the raw power as the Dodge Charger and Challenger 392 Hemi V8 muscle cars, but with just about as much family friendliness as a Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Plus it’s rated tow 8,700 pounds. However, the 2021 Dodge Durango is waiting in the wing, and with it will be a slew of updates. The highlight of which will, of course, be the upcoming Durango SRT Hellcat. But the portfolio must be balanced in some way.
So, according to Mopar Insiders, there will be a 2021 Durango hybrid, as well. In fact, it is said that this new configuration will be the new base model.
The standard powertrain of the 2021 Dodge Durango will reportedly become the Pentastar V6 fitted with an eTorque system, as found in the current Ram 1500. This mild hybrid system adds small power and torque gains, but mainly helps improve fuel economy. It also smooths out traditionally annoying stop/start systems.
The optional 5.7 liter HEMI V8 will also get the mild hybrid eTorque system, with an expected 395 hp, and 410 lb-ft of torque. Most of the budget for the 2021 Dodge Durango will be the powertrains. The hell raising Durango SRT 392 isn’t expected to go away, but it will be dethroned in the power hierarchy by the 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat, which will carry over 700 horsepower thanks to its 6.2L supercharged V8 engine. Underneath, the Durango Hellcat will be extremely similar to what we see in today’s Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. But pricing should be around $80,000, cheaper than the Trackhawk.
Because 2021 Durango is only a facelift, and not an all-new SUV like the upcoming 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, don’t expect much more than a restyled front facia and headlights. There could also be some interior tech improvements. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus outbreak has pushed back the timeline of the updated Durango about three months, similar to other incoming FCA products. Still, expect a reveal this summer or fall.
