2018 Dodge Durango SRT 392

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT may suit a powerhouse executive, because it isn’t an ordinary midsize SUV. New for this model year, this muscular ute arrives as the seventh model from FCA's SRT performance division to provide enough room for family weekend luggage and an engine note to make your heart flutter.

With three rows of leather-trimmed captain's chairs, the Durango SRT is there for those who need to compromise a little performance for a lot of space. Sure, you might not be going around the corners like a Porsche, but every onramp and straightaway will be music to your ears. With a combined 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque from its Hemi 392, you can confidently pull away from stop lights and leave many “sports” cars in the rear-view mirror.

The interior provides plenty of space to work if necessary. Any passengers in the vehicle would be able to use their laptop or spread out some documents that they’re reading with no problems. There are also ambient lights which can be turned on which is bright enough for night time reading as well. Seats are supportive and comfortable.

This midsize SUV one of the largest in its category. Weighing about 5,500 pounds while having enough power to launch it from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds means that fuel economy will suffer. The Durango SRT gets 13 mpg in city driving, 19 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined.

This may be a track vehicle, and as such, the ride quality is best when the roads are smooth. However, we tested it on the streets of Los Angeles, where the potholes and uneven roads made us check if we had spilled our coffee a few times. And with this engine, you will be heard coming and going whether you like it or not.

Having said all that, this SUV will give you road presence. You’ll feel firmly planted and will be noticed when driving by other vehicles. Other drivers will hear and see you coming and think twice before cutting you off. When you're driving around the Durango SRT, you'll know you're in charge. With a base price of $62,995 and $70,270 as tested, you're purchasing this vehicle because you have responsibilities, but don’t want to give up everything that makes driving fun.