2026 Dodge Durango: HEMI V8 Power Across the Lineup

The 2026 Dodge Durango leans harder into V8 muscle than any Durango before it. For the first time, a HEMI V8 is available on every trim in the lineup, and Dodge has made it standard from the GT Premium up — turning what was once a step-up option into the defining character of the vehicle. The base GT and GT Plus still offer the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 horsepower) for buyers who want it, but the story of the 2026 Durango is unmistakably about the HEMI. At Victorville Motors, that means High Desert drivers now have easier access than ever to the torque, towing strength, and unmistakable exhaust note that built the Durango’s reputation.

For families across Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley, the V8 brings real-world capability suited to high-desert driving — confident power for highway merging, grade climbing, and summer heat.

Under the Hood: HEMI V8 Power and Performance

The 2026 Durango offers three HEMI powerplants, each defining a tier of the lineup.

The 5.7L HEMI V8 anchors the V8 experience, producing 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque — 65 more horsepower and 50% more torque than the outgoing V6 base engine. It cuts the 0–60 mph time from 7.4 to 6.2 seconds, a full second quicker, and pairs Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology with an eight-speed automatic. For commuters merging onto I-15 or Highway 395, that extra power makes fast-moving traffic far more manageable.

Stepping up, the R/T 392 brings the 6.4L “392” HEMI V8 as standard equipment — a first for the R/T. It generates 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it the most horsepower available in the industry for under $50,000. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers linear, immediate power that suits both daily driving and weekend hauling.

At the top sits the SRT Hellcat, powered by the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, runs the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, and tops out at 180 mph — the most powerful gas-powered SUV ever built. The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak extends the experience further, unlocking more than six million possible customization combinations.

Every V8 Durango pairs its HEMI with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The 5.7L HEMI V8 returns an EPA-estimated 14 mpg city / 21 mpg highway with AWD — the trade-off for genuine V8 capability that smaller engines can’t match.

All figures shown are EPA estimated miles per gallon. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and other factors.

MSRP for new vehicles covers manufacturer/distributor equipment and logistics fees, all of which are subject to revision. It does not account for taxes, registration, dealer-installed additions, or other local charges. MSRP is not a retail advertisement; actual dealer pricing will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

Towing and Real-World Hauling Power

The 2026 Durango leads the midsize three-row segment in towing. Properly equipped, it delivers a best-in-class available towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds — achievable on GT HEMI V8 models fitted with the Tow ’n Go package, as well as on SRT Hellcat models. For High Desert drivers pulling a travel trailer or boat toward the mountains, that’s meaningful headroom.

Even without the maximum-tow setup, the standard 5.7L HEMI V8 tows up to 7,200 pounds — more than most rivals in the midsize SUV category. A heavy-duty cooling system and performance-tuned suspension help keep the vehicle stable under load.

The Tow ’n Go package is more than a hitch. It integrates R/T-derived hardware including Brembo brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, adding braking confidence on descents and composure on uneven roads.

Practicality carries inside, where up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space opens up with the rear seats folded. The third row splits 60/40, letting you balance passengers and gear.

Trims, Packages, and Customization

The 2026 Durango lineup is built around three core trims with progressively more powerful HEMI engines. The GT (with available 5.7L V8) and its GT Plus and GT Premium configurations cover the value and comfort end, the R/T 392 delivers the 475-hp performance sweet spot, and the SRT Hellcat tops the range. Availability on the highest-output trims can be limited by demand.

Ownership is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.

SRT Hellcat Jailbreak Customization

The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak unlocks more than six million combinations of paint, wheels, badges, stripes, and interior finishes for an added $995.

Blacktop Redline Package

The Blacktop Redline package is available on GT Plus, GT HEMI V8 Plus, and GT HEMI V8 Premium trims, adding aggressive blacked-out exterior styling.

America 250th Anniversary Edition

A limited-edition America 250th Anniversary Edition is also offered, featuring Stars and Stripes dual stripes and blue-accented Laguna leather seating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2026 Dodge Durango offer a Hurricane inline-six engine?

No. While the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six appears in other Dodge vehicles, the 2026 Durango lineup is built around HEMI V8 power — the 5.7L, the 6.4L 392, and the supercharged 6.2L — to deliver the towing and performance Durango buyers expect.

Is there a hybrid or electric 2026 Durango?

No. The 2026 Durango continues with internal-combustion HEMI V8 engines, prioritizing best-in-class towing and high-output performance.

What is the most affordable V8 Durango?

The Durango GT with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and all-wheel drive starts at a $42,495 MSRP (plus destination), making it the most affordable AWD V8 vehicle in the industry.

How much does the Jailbreak customization cost?

The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak customization unlocks for an additional $995 MSRP, opening more than six million combinations of paint, badges, wheels, and interior materials.

How much can the 2026 Durango tow?

Properly equipped, the Durango tows up to a best-in-class 8,700 pounds on GT HEMI V8 models with the Tow ’n Go package and on SRT Hellcat models. The standard 5.7L HEMI V8 tows up to 7,200 pounds.