Longtime V8 combustion fanatic Tim Kuniskis is again at Stellantis as head of American manufacturers. The CAFE fines, which pressured Stellantis to cut back emissions, have successfully been eradicated underneath the Trump administration. And never too surprisingly, Dodge (like different Stellantis manufacturers) is taking benefit. The model is leaning into giving its patrons “the ability of selection” in terms of powertrains. The selection now, a minimum of for Durango patrons, is a Hemi V8.
At its Roadkill Nights media occasion, Dodge simply confirmed that Hemi V8 variants will now be the one choice on the Durango SUV; the present technology continues to be kicking round for 2026 after getting into manufacturing in 2010.
The Dodge Durango Now Gives A Normal Hemi V8 Throughout The Lineup
Dodge is now providing the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 as the usual engine on the bottom GT trim, changing the three.6-liter Pentastar V6. The change boosts the Durango GT to 360 horsepower, a 65-horsepower improve over the V6 mannequin. The Durango GT trim will get costlier in consequence. It now begins at $42,495, $2,000 greater than the 4×4 model and $4,000 greater than the 4×2 model in 2025.
The Durango R/T trim, which used the 5.7-liter V8 in 2025, is now obtainable with the 392 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which places out 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. That is 115 hp greater than the 2025 R/T trim. Dodge says it is going to be probably the most horsepower obtainable within the business for underneath $50,000. The precise value continues to be unknown, however we suspect it’ll begin on the present R/T’s $49,995 sticker. DrivingOnRoad confirmed with Dodge that the larger Hemi is now the one engine provided for the R/T.
Dodge’s web site urges potential patrons to “get in earlier than they’re gone” with the Durango SRT Hellcat. However the Durango SRT Hellcat continues into the 2026 mannequin 12 months, nonetheless providing 710 hp. It might speed up from 0 to 60 mph in simply 3.5 seconds and hit a high pace of 180 mph. It is going to have some new Jailbreak choices, giving patrons extra decisions for personalisation. And it now begins at $79,995 – $5,000 cheaper than the earlier mannequin. It is price mentioning that Dodge continues to be in court docket over 2021 claims that the Durango SRT Hellcat can be a one-year, limited-run mannequin.
When Can You Order a Hemi-only 2026 Dodge Durango?
Dodge is opening order books for the 2026 mannequin 12 months Durango on August 13. The model will take orders for the Hemi V8-powered GT and SRT Hellcat fashions with deliveries beginning in This fall. Dodge says orders for the 392-powered R/T trim will start in late 2025.
The Dodge Durango Is Not The Solely Factor Getting A Hemi
As soon as phasing out the Hemi V8, Stellantis is now going all-in on the beloved engine, just about anyplace it may well. Ram returned the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to the 1500 pickup as an choice for 2026 and confirmed {that a} new V8-powered 1500 TRX will probably be forthcoming. Jeep confirmed the Wrangler Rubicon 392 will maintain its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and, although it stays unconfirmed, might convey that V8 to the midsize Gladiator pickup.
The one piece of Hemi V8 information we have been ready for Stellantis to drop – which has not occurred but – is Dodge bringing the engine again for its Charger muscle automobile. Dodge is at the moment providing the “Sixpack” combustion model with normal and high-output variations of the twin-turbocharged Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six.