The Dodge Durango has just started its 15th model year since this generation was first introduced. Like many young enthusiasts who are nearly old enough to drive, this Dodge wants a V8. And it will get one, with Dodge announcing that not only will the Hemi-powered R/T trim live another year, but Dodge will also offer more choices.
No Hurricane for 2026 Dodge Durango
Dodge’s iconic 5.7L Hemi V8 lives under the hood of the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T. It’s a bit of a surprise that the Durango keeps its eight instead of moving to the Hurricane 3.0 I6, like most of its Stellantis siblings.
With just 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, some buyers might wish they could swap the V8’s rumble for the more modern six. This is especially true when competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse make 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet from much thriftier four-cylinder engines.
Though none of those can tow 8,700 pounds like a Durango R/T with the $5,990 optional Tow N Go package. 25% of buyers of the R/T opt for that package, which Dodge says will be more accessible this year.
Redline Package Gives R/T Nicer Seats, More Attitude
New for the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T is a Blacktop Redline package. It’s a near-copy of the similar package introduced on GT last year, adding black-finish 20-inch wheels, SRT spoilers front and rear, and black badging.
R/T Blacktop Redline adds leather and suede SRT performance seats with red accents. It also includes unique interior trim and leather-wrapped door trim and center console, all for $3,495 on R/T Plus and R/T Premium grades.
Dodge’s musclebound SUV starts with the slightly less muscular GT grade. That one gets a 295-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine. The Blacktop Redline package that debuted on this trim last year continues. Unlike the R/T’s version, it gets red tracer fender badges and a performance hood.
2026 Dodge Durango Will Get Hellcat, Won’t Get More Expensive
If you’re wondering about the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and its 6.2L supercharged V8, we have good news. It will be returning to the 2026 Dodge Durango lineup, with Dodge planning to share more details later in the year. The 392 model, though, appears to still remain gone after it left for 2025.
The 2026 Dodge Durango lineup starts from $38,495 for a GT model, which is the same price as last year. An R/T starts from $49,995 (all prices plus $1,995 destination fee), again holding the line on price from last year.
Dodge order books open in June for the 2026 Durango. Expect it, built at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, at dealers in the third quarter of 2025.
Read the full article here
