[RoyG]

It looks like I have around 21 hours to reach a decision: I have a “loaded” (I.e. almost every option except sunroof) Trackhawk on order - it’s been quite delayed but apparently is in paint and I imagine will be here in a couple of weeks. Now, I just learned that a used “loaded” 2021 Durango Hellcat with 1300 miles came available. (My understanding is that I can be released from my obligation to take delivery on the Trackhawk but I will surely confirm). The prices are interestingly equivalent.

I don’t have kids wherein I would need the Durango extra seating but I love the extra cargo space. I may (someday) go to a track to play with either one but probably not much (if at all). I don’t off-road requiring the fancy 4WD but we do get snow occasionally. But I loved my Charger Hellcat just for the amazing driving experience. (For various reasons I traded it for a Grand Cherokee SRT. but it’s just not the same 😁).

So: new Trackhawk or almost new 2021 Durango Hellcat?

 

[Mr.KSU]

Greetings RoyG.

I would choose the new trackhawk and here are the reasons why:

1. It's YOUR special order with your name on the window sticker. How cool is that?
2. Trackhawk will only have delivery miles while the used Durango has 1300 miles "she's already broken in"
3. The trackhawk is very recognizable and distinguished while the Durango hellcat looks EXACTLY like the R/T Tow-and-Go.
4. You've waited this long for the trackhawk, make the wait count. It's only a few more weeks.
5. Most importantly, you are paying new trackhawk pricing for a used Hellcat Durango. I'd go new all day!


Look forward to your thoughts,

Mr.KSU

 

[RoyG]

Greetings RoyG.

I would choose the new trackhawk and here are the reasons why:

1. It's YOUR special order with your name on the window sticker. How cool is that?
2. Trackhawk will only have delivery miles while the used Durango has 1300 miles "she's already broken in"
3. The trackhawk is very recognizable and distinguished while the Durango hellcat looks EXACTLY like the R/T Tow-and-Go.
4. You've waited this long for the trackhawk, make the wait count. It's only a few more weeks.
5. Most importantly, you are paying new trackhawk pricing for a used Hellcat Durango. I'd go new all day!


Look forward to your thoughts,

Mr.KSU

Those are great points, sir - really appreciate the thoughtful input.
The Trackhawk has a bit more cache (maybe not a lot, but a little). But the Durango has newer center console/ electronics. It surely is cool though to have a car built for me,

I need to at least see the Durango… (As they say , “first world problems” 😛)..

 

[Mr.KSU]

No problem, happy to provide you my thoughts. You are very right about the new technology, I definitely overlooked that. I agree that you should at least see the HC Durango. Love, at first sight, might just turn into getting married on the first date.

 

[frictioncircle]

there will only be approximately 3000 HCD ever...so there's that....

 

[DurangoUnchained]

It looks like I have around 21 hours to reach a decision: I have a “loaded” (I.e. almost every option except sunroof) Trackhawk on order - it’s been quite delayed but apparently is in paint and I imagine will be here in a couple of weeks. Now, I just learned that a used “loaded” 2021 Durango Hellcat with 1300 miles came available. (My understanding is that I can be released from my obligation to take delivery on the Trackhawk but I will surely confirm). The prices are interestingly equivalent.

I don’t have kids wherein I would need the Durango extra seating but I love the extra cargo space. I may (someday) go to a track to play with either one but probably not much (if at all). I don’t off-road requiring the fancy 4WD but we do get snow occasionally. But I loved my Charger Hellcat just for the amazing driving experience. (For various reasons I traded it for a Grand Cherokee SRT. but it’s just not the same 😁).

So: new Trackhawk or almost new 2021 Durango Hellcat?

So I have now owned both of these vehicles. I had a 2018 Trackhawk and now have the 21 Durango Hellcat.

Please keep in mind these are just my opinions. Everyone has one, and you will pick what you like in the end. But since you asked...
I liked the Trackhawk better.
1. It rode better. This is noticeable at higher speeds. The trackhawk hugged the road and was smooth at triple digits. The Durango tends to have some shimmy to it at triple+
2. Yes they are both made by the same company in the end, but the trackhawk was just slightly nicer when it came to the details. Stitching on seats, paint lines etc. The Dodge is a dodge at the end of the day and it shows.
3. I have not fully proven this yet, (and I know I will get flak for this) but I swear my trackhawk was faster. Maybe its just a mental thing, or a had it longer comfort thing, but it just doesnt seem to scream in the same way. (dont get me wrong its still crazy fast)
4. Lastly, while there were more made than the Durango, the Trackhawk got a lot more attention. People were always just amazed by it.

I had to get a Durango because I had to have the space. If I had a choice, I would have stayed Trackhawk.

But as already stated...the Durango will be rare... and its still awesome.

 

[Ivory15Cat]

Trackhawk for me. The Durango styling is still a Durango so for me it’s a no go.

 

[frictioncircle]

The branding of the vehicles is interesting. The jeep has an amorphous "supercharged" on it...now those in the know see hellcat..but to the casual observer it could be a blown pentastar 6...The Durango is all about the HC...So keep that in mind. The Durango only feels "buttoned" down in track mode when you are triple digits. Otherwise the newer shock valving gives the Durango very compliant feel in auto mode. As far as styling you either like having a half pentangle wheel well or you don't. I can't get over the round wheel in a non round hole..

 

[why2kmax]

HC Durango if they will throw in a decent mopar extended warranty
Its faster,
has more room,
is more limited production
IF you keep it, will likely be worth more in the end .

Its just as as nondescript to its cousins as the trackhawk is to the rest of the cherokees.
Name on the window sticker is cool for 10 min until you get home and put it in the file drawer and forget about it.
You didnt keep your challenger or the SRT jeep so what makes you think you will keep the trackhawk forever?

Im jealous. I wish I had your problem

 

[DurangoUnchained]

The branding of the vehicles is interesting. The jeep has an amorphous "supercharged" on it...now those in the know see hellcat..but to the casual observer it could be a blown pentastar 6...The Durango is all about the HC...So keep that in mind. The Durango only feels "buttoned" down in track mode when you are triple digits. Otherwise the newer shock valving gives the Durango very compliant feel in auto mode. As far as styling you either like having a half pentangle wheel well or you don't. I can't get over the round wheel in a non round hole..

My trackhawk never had the supercharged emblem. We actually took off the trackhawk emblem as well. Ghosted it out. Only giveaway was the yellow Brembos...and the quad tips of course.



Do you have a Durango Hellcat? I ask because you mentioned the Durango "buttoned" down in track mode at triple digit speeds. I did not get this buttoned down feel in either sport mode or track mode at higher speeds. Of course I am comparing feel to the trackhawk which is a different vehicle. I am curious to your experience and if I should have mine checked out....

 

[ceebydeeby710]

Good points being made, my only contribution is that you don't know how those 1300 miles were driven. That, to me, is a huge part of buying new. I know how to break in a motor and love to over-do it with oil changes.

Personally I think the Hawk is a much better-looking car, but that's me. The Durango's backside has always bugged me.

 

[drocKinCO]

HC Durango if they will throw in a decent mopar extended warranty
Its faster,
has more room,
is more limited production
IF you keep it, will likely be worth more in the end .

Its just as as nondescript to its cousins as the trackhawk is to the rest of the cherokees.
Name on the window sticker is cool for 10 min until you get home and put it in the file drawer and forget about it.
You didnt keep your challenger or the SRT jeep so what makes you think you will keep the trackhawk forever?

Im jealous. I wish I had your problem

surely don't base your opinion off these idiots.... these morons shouldn't review any cars let alone cars with high power...

 

[frictioncircle]

My trackhawk never had the supercharged emblem. We actually took off the trackhawk emblem as well. Ghosted it out. Only giveaway was the yellow Brembos...and the quad tips of course.



Do you have a Durango Hellcat? I ask because you mentioned the Durango "buttoned" down in track mode at triple digit speeds. I did not get this buttoned down feel in either sport mode or track mode at higher speeds. Of course I am comparing feel to the trackhawk which is a different vehicle. I am curious to your experience and if I should have mine checked out....

I do.about 850 miles so far. My comparison is a 18 SRT Durango.In track the HCD is more stable in high speed turns than the 18. The dampers seem to control the springs at a higher rate.You are still hustling a 5700 lb SUV on runflats.

 

[RoyG]

Good points being made, my only contribution is that you don't know how those 1300 miles were driven. That, to me, is a huge part of buying new. I know how to break in a motor and love to over-do it with oil changes.

Personally I think the Hawk is a much better-looking car, but that's me. The Durango's backside has always bugged me.

Great points - that backside also is not my favorite either. The pics of the car do show some more signs of use than I would have expected ( looks like a weird paint scratch in the back, scuffing in the 2nd row control panel) that make me wonder what they were doing with it. I will do my best to evaluate. (Mostly still “ stuck” on the Hellcat brand that I love and the updated electronics with the wider screen, wireless CarPlay).

 

[RoyG]

surely don't base your opinion off these idiots.... these morons shouldn't review any cars let alone cars with high power...

I really think everyone here has been very kind and forthright, with no signs of idiocy or moronic expression. I appreciate everyone’s thoughtful input!!

 

[Slowpoke387]

I really think everyone here has been very kind and forthright, with no signs of idiocy or moronic expression. I appreciate everyone’s thoughtful input!!

Pretty sure he meant the video, not members here.

 

[Blkout]

One will appreciate in value, the other will depreciate. Something to think about.

 

[S8ER01Z]

With just over 5000 miles on our Durango HC... I love it. I don't have the experience in a track hawk for comparison so I can't help from that point of view. I will say we have had several trips now with the kids all loaded up and the back of the Durango filled to the brim (multi-week long vacations). The extra room is a blessing and the rear entertainment system is perfect for long trips (each display has its own input so one kid can watch a blu-ray while the other streamed Disney+ from an AppleTV or played Switch). I also really enjoyed interstate travel in Auto/eco mode (so soft and smooth) it will make you forget you're even in a hellcat plus all of the lane keep/adaptive cruise options work well with no noticeable quirks. Once we hit mountain roads it was track mode all the way and that was where it really shined IMHO.

I don't think you can go wrong here with your choice, just pick the one you like to look at the most and enjoy.

 

[drocKinCO]

Pretty sure he meant the video, not members here.

Yes the throttle house retards.

 

[Unavowed]

Yes the throttle house retards.

The TH guys are very good at what they do, which is automotive entertainment. They are far better than the average "car youtuber".