How fast is a police Dodge Durango?
A police Dodge Durango Pursuit typically tops out around 140–150 mph (225–241 km/h), depending on model year and whether the speed limiter has been adjusted or removed. The most common pursuit configuration uses the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The topic covers the speed capabilities of the police-focused Durango, how different years and options affect top-end performance, and what factors departments modify to balance speed with reliability and safety in real-world operations.
Powertrain and tuning
Most police Durango Pursuit models rely on a proven, naturally aspirated V8 and a robust eight-speed automatic, tuned for reliability in high-speed driving and extended pursuit duty.
- Engine: 5.7-liter Hemi V8, typically around 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque in many generations; police-spec variants are calibrated for pursuit duty.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic, with calibrations designed for rapid, durable shifts under sustained high-speed operation.
- Drivetrain: Availability includes rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on year and department requirements.
- Performance enhancements: Police Pursuit packages add heavy-duty cooling, upgraded brakes, reinforced suspension, and enhanced stability control to handle extended high-speed operation and demanding driving conditions.
- Speed limiter considerations: In many jurisdictions, fleet configurations include a high-speed limiter or may have limiter settings adjusted for pursuit use; actual top speed typically ranges around 140–150 mph, varying by year and setup.
Conclusion: The Durango Pursuit is built for reliability and sustained performance in pursuit scenarios, with top-end speeds high for an SUV but generally not as extreme as purpose-built sports models.
Performance figures
Speed and acceleration figures are a balance of power, weight, and gearing, and they vary by year, equipment, and whether the limiter is engaged or disabled for pursuit use.
- 0–60 mph: Roughly 6.5 to 7.5 seconds for police-spec Durangos with the 5.7L Hemi and 8-speed automatic, influenced by equipment weight and tire choice.
- 1/4 mile: Typically in the mid-14-second range with trap speeds around 100–110 mph (161–177 km/h), depending on configuration and testing conditions.
- Top speed: Generally about 140–150 mph (225–241 km/h) when the limiter is set for pursuit use; some departments may lift or modify the limiter to suit local pursuit policies.
Note: In real-world operations, factors such as added equipment, tire ratings, road conditions, and aerodynamics reduce practical top-end performance relative to lab measurements. Police drivers prioritize control, braking, and handling alongside speed.
Variant years and engine options
The most common police Durango Pursuit configuration uses the 5.7L Hemi V8, but variations across generations have featured different calibrations and options. Durango SRT models employ a 6.4L Hemi, but that high-performance configuration is not typical for standard police packages. Departments select configurations based on pursuit likelihood, maintenance considerations, and fuel economy constraints.
Practical considerations
These figures reflect typical police Durango Pursuit configurations and can vary widely by year, jurisdiction, and whether the top-end limiter is enabled or disabled for pursuit use. For precise numbers, consult the specific vehicle order guides or department documentation.
Summary
In practice, a police Dodge Durango Pursuit delivers strong acceleration and solid high-speed capability within the SUV class, with top speeds commonly in the 140–150 mph range and 0–60 mph times in the mid to upper single digits. Exact numbers depend on year, engine choice, drivetrain, prescribed limiter settings, and the weight of equipment. Overall, the Durango Pursuit is designed for reliability, debate-ready handling, and sustained high-speed performance in pursuit scenarios rather than raw sport-vehicle speed.
What Durango do cops drive?
2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit
The 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit delivers powerful performance across two available engines. The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine offers 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque while the 5.7L HEMI® engine offers 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
What is the top speed of a police Dodge Durango?
Dodge Durango Pursuit Standard Equipment
- Police ABS 4–Wheel Heavy–Duty Disc Brakes.
- Police–Tuned Suspension.
- Secure Park Package.
- Black Vinyl Floor Covering.
- Additional Key Fobs.
- 130–MPH Maximum Speed Calibration.
- Auxiliary Switches.
- ParkView® Rear Back–Up Camera.
How fast is a police pursuit car?
A police car's speed in a chase is determined by the vehicle's capabilities, typically hitting top speeds between 120-150 mph for models like the Dodge Charger Pursuit and Ford Police Interceptor Utility. However, the actual speed is often lower, with the average pursuit speed for the LAPD being around 46 mph, as officers must balance speed with safety and local policies, even if there's no hard cap on the maximum speed during a necessary pursuit.
This video explains the limitations on police pursuit speeds: 1:45benpearson1965TikTok · Jan 16, 2025
- Vehicle capabilities: Modern police cars are designed to reach high speeds, with many models topping out between 120 and 150 mph. For example, the Dodge Charger Pursuit and Ford Explorer Interceptor can reach speeds of about 149 mph and 148 mph, respectively.
- Average pursuit speed: In practice, police cars don't always reach their maximum speed. A study by the LAPD found the average speed during a chase was about 46 mph.
- Safety and policy: Officers must use "due regard" for safety, meaning they may not use their vehicle's full speed potential if conditions are unsafe. Many departments have internal policies that may limit how fast an officer can go during a pursuit.
- Legal exemptions: While police are typically exempt from speeding laws during a pursuit, the speed must be proportional to the circumstances.
What is a Dodge Durango top speed?
The Dodge Durango's top speed varies by model, with the high-performance SRT Hellcat version having a top speed of 180 mph. Other models have lower top speeds; for example, the SRT 392 is rated at 160 mph, and the R/T is estimated to reach 120 mph.
You can watch this video to see a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat reach its top speed on the Autobahn: 59sAutoTopNLYouTube · Oct 30, 2024
- SRT Hellcat: 180 mph (290 km/h)
- SRT 392: 160 mph
- R/T: Estimated at 120 mph
