2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: A Detailed Look at the New Cockpit

Last week, Dodge once again shook up the American performance world by introducing three new high powered machines. This included the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock and the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. The Charger packs 797 horsepower and the Challenger delivers 807 horsepower, but with “only” 710 horsepower, the Hellcat Durango has gotten just as much attention as the two supercharged cars.

Most people are focused on the fact that the 710-horsepower Durango Hellcat is the world’s most powerful SUV while others are more interested in the stock quarter mile time of 11.5 seconds, which is also the best in the world among SUVs. A much smaller group of people are busy talking about the functionally redesigned exterior, with a front end that improves engine air flow and aerodynamics while also presenting a much sportier look.

"The Brotherhood of Muscle includes families of all sizes and the Durango delivers Dodge performance as the Charger of the three-row SUV segment,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. "And new for 2021, we have raised the bar even higher. The 710-horsepower Hellcat is the most powerful SUV ever. It’s the last piece of the puzzle and, alongside the Charger and Challenger, completes the Dodge brand’s performance lineup.”

What few people are talking about is the interior, but for anyone who is seriously considering a 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, this should be one of the prime interests. After all, when you are enjoying those 710 horsepower, the interior layout is the next most important aspect of the vehicle. Today, we bring you a closer look at the refreshed cockpit of the 2021 Hellcat Durango.

The New Dashboard
The most significant change to the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat interior is the redesigned dashboard. Since the current versions of the Challenger and Charger were introduced for the 2015 model year, they have both featured a dashboard design that wraps up the driver information center (gauge cluster) and the infotainment system into one tidy area. The trim and materials around the gauge cluster and infotainment screen help to create this encased look while the overall shape of the dash creates a cockpit feel for the driver. Below is a look at the current Challenger SRT Hellcat dashboard, for example.

On the other hand, the 2020 Durango (and the other, earlier model years of the current generation) has a separated design with the gauge cluster sunken into the area beyond the steering wheel while the infotainment screen is located in a center section of the dash that is extended out a bit. The 2020 design also has hard knobs and buttons located just under the screen, stretching the dashboard down towards the floor. There is nothing wrong with the look or layout of the current Durango dashboard, but it doesn’t offer the cockpit feel that you get with the Challenger and Charger. The image below shows the 2020 Durango SRT dashboard.

For 2021, the entire Durango lineup gets a new dashboard design that follows the pattern of the Challenger and Charger, incorporating the gauge cluster and infotainment system into one area that flows from side to side. This flowing section is sculpted to create the wrap around feel that the current Dodge cars offer, but more importantly, it creates more space for the 10.1-inch Gen 5 UConnect system. Also, the hard buttons and knobs have been relocated into their own area just below the new dashboard, all of which creates a much cleaner, more linear look than the 2020 Durango.

The New Shift Console
The next area of the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat that has been heavily refreshed is the shift console. The 2020 models have a console that is wide and practically flat, with the shifter, two cup holders a storage compartment under the infotainment screen and a small compartment for loose change or other small items near the armrest.

For 2021, the redesigned infotainment screen, button panel and dashboard have allowed the designed to offer more space from the storage compartment at the leading edge of the shift console. The two cup holders are still there, but they have been shifted back a bit and the small change storage area has been reshaped to hold the key fob. More importantly, a divider of sorts has been added to the passenger’s side of the console, similar to the Challenger and bolstering the cockpit-like feel. The image below shows the 2020 console on the left and the 2021 console on the right for easy comparison.

Finally, in addition to the copious amounts of leather and suede, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat features a new “forged carbon fiber” trim on the dashboard, door panels and shift console.

Unlike traditional carbon fiber trim, which has a very neat, woven look to the fibers, forged carbon fiber has larger pieces that appear to be pressed together, creating a completely different look. In the image below, you get a good look at the forged carbon fiber trim in the shift console.

Patrick Rall is a professional writer and photographer with a passion for all things automotive. Patrick has been sharing his automotive expertise in automotive journalism from Detroit for more than a decade covering the Big Three. Having grown up in his father’s performance shop, he spent extensive time at the oval track and drag strip – both driving and wrenching on various types of vehicles. In addition to working as a writer, Patrick previously worked as an automotive technician before moving on to a business office position with a chain of dealerships, and this broad spectrum of experience in the industry allows him to offer a unique look on the automotive world. Follow Patrick on Youtube and Twitter. Find more of Patrick's stories at Torque News Dodge. Search Torque News Dodge for more Dodge Challenger and Charger coverage from our expert reporters.