Dodge Durango SRT Fuel Ratings Spark Serious Debate
The Dodge Durango SRT models deliver EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined for the SRT 392 variants, while the high-performance SRT Hellcat achieves 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined.
Model-Specific Ratings
Each Dodge Durango SRT trim targets performance enthusiasts, prioritizing power over parsimony. The SRT 392, powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 475 horsepower, consistently earns EPA figures of 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined mpg across its base, Plus, and Premium configurations as of the 2024 model year. These ratings stem from official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency testing conducted under standardized conditions on September 12, 2023, reflecting real-world drivetrain demands of all-wheel drive (AWD).
The SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 delivering 710 horsepower, sacrifices further efficiency at 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined mpg. This places it among the thirstiest SUVs in its class, generating approximately 659 grams of CO2 per mile. Independent tests by Car and Driver in October 2021 observed 13 mpg overall and 17 mpg at 75 mph highway speeds for the SRT 392, aligning closely with EPA estimates.
- SRT 392: 13 city mpg, 19 highway mpg, 15 combined mpg (premium gasoline required).
- SRT 392 Plus: Identical to base SRT 392 ratings.
- SRT 392 Premium: Matches standard SRT 392 efficiency profile.
- SRT Hellcat: 12 city mpg, 17 highway mpg, 14 combined mpg.
- SRT Hellcat Plus/Premium: Same as base Hellcat, emphasizing luxury over gains in mpg.
Real-World Performance Data
Owner-reported data from Fuelly.com, aggregated as of April 23, 2025, reveals Dodge Durango SRT models averaging between 14.5 and 18.6 mpg across model years, based on over 536,000 tracked miles from 25 vehicles. For instance, 2018 models averaged 14.6 mpg from 1,318 fuel-ups, while 2020 owners hit 18.6 mpg over 18,486 miles. These figures often exceed EPA combined ratings during highway cruising but plummet in urban stop-and-go traffic.
A Reddit user on March 22, 2025, reported achieving 27 mpg (11.4 km/l) on a fully loaded 2018 Durango SRT highway trip using Eco Mode's 4-cylinder deactivation, though typical city driving yielded 9.6-11.7 mpg. Car and Driver's 2022 real-world test logged 18 mpg overall, highlighting the SRT's capability to match highway estimates under ideal conditions. Historical context from a 2017 Chicago Tribune review noted sub-10 mpg in aggressive driving, underscoring variability.
| Trim | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT 392 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 6.4L V8 |
| SRT 392 Plus | 13 | 19 | 15 | 6.4L V8 |
| SRT 392 Premium | 13 | 19 | 15 | 6.4L V8 |
| SRT Hellcat | 12 | 17 | 14 | 6.2L Supercharged V8 |
| SRT Hellcat Premium | 12 | 17 | 14 | 6.2L Supercharged V8 |
Factors Influencing Efficiency
Fuel economy in the Dodge Durango SRT hinges on multiple variables beyond EPA lab results. The 6.4L HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) deactivates four cylinders during light loads, boosting highway mpg by up to 20% per owner anecdotes from Fuelly logs spanning 2018-2022. All-wheel drive adds roughly 1-2 mpg penalty versus rear-wheel drive alternatives in non-SRT trims.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration drops city mpg below 10, as noted in 2017 reviews.
- Load and terrain: Fully loaded highway trips achieved 21-27 mpg in user reports dated March 2025.
- Fuel quality: Premium unleaded (91+ octane) is mandatory; lower grades trigger reduced performance modes.
- Tire pressure and maintenance: Underinflated tires cut efficiency by 3-5%, per EPA guidelines.
- Weather conditions: Tailwinds and cold, dry air yielded 20+ mpg on I-70 mountain runs.
Historical Evolution
The Durango SRT lineage traces back to the 2018 model year debut, when the 6.4L SRT 392 first posted 13/19 mpg ratings, unchanged through 2026 iterations. The 2021 SRT Hellcat introduction on June 15, 2020, introduced 12/17 mpg figures amid backlash over emissions, prompting debates at the 2021 SEMA Show. Fuelly data shows gradual owner improvements, from 14.5 mpg in 2019 to 17.5 mpg in 2022 averages.
"Sipping fuel is anything but the Durango SRT's forte, and the 6.4-liter V-8's 475 ponies are as thirsty in the Durango as they are in the Grand Cherokee SRT." - Car and Driver, October 26, 2021.
Competitor Comparisons
Compared to rivals, the Durango SRT lags in efficiency but leads in power. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT mirrors 13/19 mpg, while the Ford Explorer ST posts 20/27 mpg with its 3.0L EcoBoost V6. Lamborghini Urus owners report 12-15 mpg, aligning with Hellcat realities. This fuel efficiency debate intensified post-2024 EPA updates, as electric SUVs like Rivian R1S claim 70+ mpge equivalents.
| Vehicle | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | HP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Durango SRT 392 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 475 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT | 13 | 19 | 15 | 475 |
| Ford Explorer ST | 20 | 27 | 23 | 400 |
| Lamborghini Urus | 12 | 17 | 14 | 641 |
Tips to Maximize MPG
Owners can exceed EPA ratings with targeted strategies. Enable MDS via Sport or Eco modes for cylinder deactivation, as demonstrated in a 2025 Reddit post hitting 27 mpg loaded. Maintain 35-40 psi tire pressure and use aerodynamic accessories sparingly. Avoid idling; the SRT's 24-gallon tank yields 360 highway miles at 19 mpg.
- Monitor via Uconnect: Track instant mpg on the 10.1-inch cluster.
- Premium fuel only: Averts timing retard, preserving 2-3 mpg.
- Lighten load: Each 100 lbs reduces efficiency by 1-2%.
- Highway speeds: Optimal at 65-70 mph for 17-20 mpg observed.
Environmental and Cost Impact
At 15 mpg combined, the SRT 392 consumes 788 gallons annually under 15,000-mile average driving, costing $4,121 yearly at $5.23/gallon premium fuel (May 2026 average). CO2 output hits 17.5 tons/year, double class-leading hybrids. Debates rage in 2026 forums over viability amid CAFE standards tightening by model year 2027.
Future Outlook
Stellantis confirmed no electrification for Durango SRT through 2026, preserving V8 heritage despite 12-15 mpg realities. Rumors of a 2027 hybrid variant surfaced at April 2026 Detroit Auto Show, potentially lifting combined mpg to 22. Owners weigh thrill against pump pain, fueling ongoing serious debate.
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Key concerns and solutions for Dodge Durango Srt Fuel Efficiency Ratings
What is the exact EPA rating for 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat?
The 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat earns EPA ratings of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined, applicable to all Hellcat trims including Premium.
How does real-world mpg compare to EPA for Durango SRT?
Real-world averages from Fuelly span 14.5-18.6 mpg across years, often matching or exceeding EPA highway figures but falling short in city driving.
Does the Durango SRT require premium gas?
Yes, all SRT models mandate premium unleaded (91 octane minimum) for optimal performance and warranty compliance.
Can Durango SRT owners achieve over 20 mpg?
Yes, highway trips with Eco Mode, tailwinds, and light loads have yielded 21-27 mpg, as reported by 2018-2021 owners on forums.
Why is Durango SRT fuel economy so low?
Large-displacement V8 engines (6.4L/6.2L), AWD, and performance tuning prioritize acceleration (0-60 in 4.5 seconds) over efficiency.