(TestMiles) – Americans and Brits may not agree on everything, but here’s one thing both sides can get behind: a roaring, powerhouse SUV that defies convention. In one corner, we have the all-American Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat—a muscle-bound monster with power that’s practically bursting from its seams. In the other, there’s the British aristocrat, the Aston Martin DBX 707, a luxury SUV that’s as fast as it is refined.
While the Durango Hellcat and DBX 707 represent wildly different approaches to the modern SUV, they both ask us the same question: is it better to own raw, unapologetic power or high-performance elegance? Let’s dive in and see what each of these brutes has to offer—and which might best suit your driveway (or racetrack).
What Sets These SUVs Apart?
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: Built for those who crave unadulterated horsepower, the Durango Hellcat sports a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, cranking out an astounding 710 horsepower. This beast rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a hair-raising 4 seconds flat—an impressive feat for any SUV, let alone one with room for the family and their baggage. What’s more, with all-wheel drive and seating for up to seven, the Durango Hellcat delivers practicality in a package that feels anything but practical. It’s brash, loud, and unapologetically American.
Aston Martin DBX 707: On the other end of the spectrum, the Aston Martin DBX 707 offers sophistication with a dash of menace. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumps out 697 horsepower, just shy of the Hellcat but packaged in a far sleeker and more luxurious build. Aston Martin claims a lightning-fast 0 to 60 time of just 3.1 seconds—a full second quicker than the Durango. And yes, that means it’s faster than most supercars on the road today. Wrapped in leather and luxury, the DBX 707 appeals to those who appreciate speed in style.
How Do They Compare on Practicality?
Durango Hellcat: If practicality were a race, the Durango would be leading the pack. With its impressive towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, this SUV isn’t just a road warrior; it’s a workhorse. You could haul your boat, your trailer, or perhaps even your British cousin’s Aston. Fuel efficiency, however, is where the Hellcat starts to show its rough edges. At just 12 miles per gallon in the city, this SUV will have you reconsidering that extra weekend trip—unless, of course, you enjoy shelling out for premium fuel. But let’s face it: if you’re buying a Hellcat, fuel economy probably wasn’t top of your list.
DBX 707: The DBX may come up short in the towing department with a max capacity of 6,000 pounds, but it compensates with sheer elegance. It’s not exactly the SUV for hauling heavy loads, but then again, most DBX owners are probably not the trailer-towing type. Fuel-wise, it’s a slight improvement over the Hellcat, getting about 15 miles per gallon in the city—though that’s hardly economical either. And for tech enthusiasts, there’s a glaring omission: no Android Auto. Small detail? Perhaps. But for a car priced north of $250,000, it’s a surprising oversight.
The Price Tag: Justifiable or Excessive?
Durango Hellcat: Here’s where Dodge takes a bit of the edge. At around $95,000, the Hellcat gives you unparalleled power at a fraction of the price of the DBX. Sure, it may be a bit rough around the edges, but for anyone who values performance over polish, this SUV delivers an incredible bang for your buck. Every dollar spent on the Hellcat translates to horsepower, towing capacity, and sheer, unfiltered enjoyment.
DBX 707: At over $252,000, the DBX 707 is a different animal entirely. Here, you’re paying not just for power but for prestige. Aston Martin is selling a lifestyle, not merely a vehicle. With 22-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and hand-stitched leather, this SUV feels more like a fine piece of British engineering than a utility vehicle. You’re not just buying a car; you’re buying an experience, one that turns heads wherever it goes.
So, Which SUV Wins?
Here’s where things get interesting. If it’s all about unadulterated, family-friendly power, the Durango Hellcat is the clear choice. It’s loud, brash, and doesn’t mind getting its hands dirty. It’s the SUV equivalent of an American muscle car—a full-throated roar that announces your arrival.
The DBX 707, on the other hand, is for those who want speed without the shouting. This SUV exudes class, luxury, and speed in a way that feels refined rather than raucous. It’s fast enough to keep up with (and often beat) the Hellcat on a straightaway, but you’re less likely to spill your champagne along the way.
The Final Verdict: Power or Prestige?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what drives you. Do you want a show-stopping SUV that sacrifices a little decorum for brute force? Or do you want an elegantly crafted, high-speed sanctuary that makes a statement without raising its voice?
Both the Durango Hellcat and the DBX 707 remind us that in an age of whisper-quiet EVs, there’s still something thrilling about a roaring V8. But where the Hellcat is a shout, the DBX is a sophisticated whisper—a difference that may sway your heart (and wallet) one way or the other.
So, to the petrolheads who crave a visceral thrill with practicality, the Durango Hellcat beckons. But if your soul leans toward luxury and speed with a side of class, the DBX 707 is ready to deliver an experience as smooth as it is swift. Either way, these SUVs promise one thing: an unforgettable ride, whichever side of the pond you’re on.