All HEMI®, All the Time: Dodge to Deliver HEMI V-8 Engines Standard Across the Entire 2026 Dodge Durango Lineup

Rhea-AI Summary

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) announced that starting August 13, 2025, all 2026 Dodge Durango models will come standard with HEMI V-8 engines. The entry-level Durango GT, now priced at $42,495, will feature the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, offering 65 more horsepower than its predecessor. The Durango R/T will debut with a 392 HEMI V-8 delivering 475 horsepower, while the flagship SRT Hellcat, priced at $79,995, maintains its 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8.

The company reported strong performance with Q2 U.S. sales increasing over 50% compared to Q1, leading the upper midsize SUV segment in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. APEAL Study. Dealer orders for GT and SRT Hellcat models open August 13, with deliveries expected in Q4 2025.

Positive

• Q2 U.S. sales surged more than 50% over Q1
• Durango GT becomes most affordable AWD V-8 vehicle in the industry at $42,495
• Durango R/T offers most horsepower available under $50,000 with 475hp
• SRT Hellcat price reduced to $79,995, making it more accessible
• All models feature best-in-class towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds
• GT model gains 65 more horsepower with new V-8 engine
• New Jailbreak customization option offers over 6 million combinations

Negative

• Higher fuel consumption likely with V-8 engines across all models
• Increased starting price compared to previous V-6 models
• Delayed availability for R/T AWD model orders

Insights

Automotive Industry Analyst

Dodge's all-HEMI Durango lineup boosts performance credentials while countering industry's electrification trend, potentially increasing margins and sales.

Dodge's decision to standardize HEMI V-8 engines across the entire 2026 Durango lineup represents a bold counter-industry strategy at a time when most manufacturers are downsizing engines and emphasizing electrification. This move transforms the Durango's market positioning by making the GT trim (starting at $42,495) the most affordable AWD V-8 vehicle in the industry, creating a compelling value proposition in the upper midsize SUV segment.

The timing is strategic, following Durango's 50% sales surge in Q2 over Q1 and its top ranking in the J.D. Power 2025 APEAL Study. By upgrading the GT model from V-6 to 5.7L HEMI V-8 (adding 65 horsepower), Dodge creates a clear performance advantage over competitors at this price point. Similarly, equipping the R/T with the 392 HEMI V-8 (delivering 475 horsepower) allows Dodge to claim "most horsepower under $50,000" bragging rights.

The repricing of the Hellcat variant to $79,995 (previously higher) suggests a volume-focused strategy to increase market penetration of their halo performance model. The new lineup structure creates clearer differentiation between trims while maintaining Dodge's "affordable performance" brand identity.

This strategic pivot likely aims to maximize profitability from Durango's current platform while the market transitions toward electrification. V-8 engines typically command higher margins, and by standardizing them, Dodge simplifies production while potentially improving per-unit profitability, especially if volumes increase due to the enhanced performance and value proposition.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• Starting August 13, every Dodge Durango ordered will come standard with a legendary HEMI® V-8 engine
• 2026 Dodge Durango GT now features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, delivering 65 more horsepower than the previous V-6-powered model
• Starting at a U.S. MSRP of $42,495, the Durango GT becomes the most affordable AWD V-8 vehicle in the industry — period
• For the first time, the Dodge Durango R/T will be available with the 392 HEMI V-8, delivering a massive 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque — a 115-horsepower increase over the previous 5.7-liter HEMI-powered R/T — and delivering the most horsepower available in the industry for under $50,000
• 710-horsepower Dodge Durango Hellcat now starts at a U.S. MSRP of $79,995, delivering unmatched performance at a new level of value, making world-class muscle more attainable than ever before
• Dealer orders for Durango GT and SRT Hellcat open August 13, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in Q4. Orders for the Durango R/T AWD will open later this year

"Does that thing have a HEMI®?" Starting with dealer orders placed on August 13, Dodge is answering with a resounding "yes" across the entire Durango lineup.

For the first time, every Dodge Durango — from the well-equipped entry GT model to the 710-horsepower SRT Hellcat — will come standard with a legendary HEMI V-8 engine, giving drivers more power, more performance and more value than ever before.

"Dodge Durango is on a tear, with Q2 U.S. sales surging more than 50% over Q1 and topping the upper midsize SUV segment in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. APEAL Study," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. "We're harnessing that momentum to do what Dodge does best: bring more horsepower to the masses. Starting with orders placed on August 13, every Durango will come standard with a HEMI V-8. It's another Dodge power move that delivers the 'affordable performance' our Dodge customers demand and deserve."

The 2026 Dodge Durango model-year lineup includes the GT, R/T and SRT Hellcat models, equipped with the 5.7-liter, 392-cubic-inch (6.4L) or 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8, respectively. The move adds significant amounts of more horsepower and performance to the Durango GT and the R/T. All 2026 Dodge Durango models deliver best-in-class towing of up to 8,700 pounds — unmatched capability across the entire lineup.

Dealer orders for Durango GT and SRT Hellcat open August 13, 2025, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in Q4. Orders for the Durango R/T AWD will open later this year.

Durango GT Gets a HEMI Upgrade — More Muscle, More Value
The 2026 Dodge Durango GT receives a performance boost with the addition of the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, delivering 65 more horsepower than the previous V-6-powered model. Starting at a U.S. MSRP of $42,495, the Durango GT becomes the most affordable AWD V-8 vehicle in the industry — period (all prices exclude title, taxes and $1,995 destination).

Shifting to HEMI V-8 Power Gives Durango GT Customers:

• 22% more horsepower
• 50% more torque
• Quicker acceleration, 0-60 mph time improves by more than one second from 7.4 to 6.2 seconds
• 40% greater towing capacity (with R/T Tow N Go)
• A more aggressive exhaust note and driving feel
• Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation, seamlessly alternating between four-cylinder mode for efficiency and full V-8 mode when power is demanded

Durango R/T Levels Up With 392-cubic-inch HEMI Power — A First for the R/T
For the first time, the Dodge Durango R/T will be available with the 392 HEMI V-8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque — a 115-horsepower increase over the previous 5.7-liter HEMI-powered R/T and delivering the most horsepower available in the industry for under $50,000.

This 392 HEMI upgrade on the R/T delivers:

• 32% more horsepower
• 21% more torque
• Quicker acceleration and sharper throttle response
• A more aggressive exhaust note and driving feel
• Track-inspired performance with everyday drivability

Durango SRT Hellcat: The Pinnacle of Muscle SUV Performance — Now More Accessible Than Ever
The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat returns as the most powerful gas-powered SUV ever built, delivering 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. It delivers a 0–60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

Now starting at a U.S. MSRP of $79,995, the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat delivers unmatched performance at a new level of value, making world-class muscle more attainable than ever before.

2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak
The Dodge brand's HEMI-powered three-row muscle SUV is showing its stripes with the introduction of the new 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, unlocking more than six million potential customization combinations. Customers can select from six different wheel options, six available factory exterior colors, six exterior badge color choices, five seat colors with three seating configurations, five dual-stripe options, and four brake caliper colors and seat belt colors.

Jailbreak customization options are unlocked with an additional U.S. MSRP of $995; customization options chosen will include applicable U.S. MSRPs.

For more information on the Dodge brand, visit Dodge.com

Dodge//SRT
For 110 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments in which the brand competes while moving forward to a future that includes electrified muscle in the form of the next-generation, all-new Dodge Charger.

The next-generation Dodge Charger electrifies a legend, with the Charger retaining its title as the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car, led by the all-new, all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. The all-new Dodge Charger will also offer performance choices via multi-energy powertrain options, including the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine.

Dodge also keeps its foot on the gas as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Dodge brand: www.dodge.com
Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com
DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

 

 

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SOURCE Stellantis

FAQ

What are the key changes to the 2026 Dodge Durango lineup?

The entire 2026 Dodge Durango lineup will come standard with HEMI V-8 engines, with the GT model featuring a 5.7L HEMI, R/T getting a 392 (6.4L) HEMI with 475hp, and SRT Hellcat maintaining its 710hp supercharged 6.2L HEMI.

How much does the 2026 Dodge Durango GT cost and what are its improvements?

The 2026 Dodge Durango GT starts at $42,495 and features a 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine, delivering 65 more horsepower than the previous V-6 model, making it the most affordable AWD V-8 vehicle in the industry.

What is the horsepower of the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and its price?

The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat delivers 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, with a new starting price of $79,995, making it more accessible while remaining the most powerful gas-powered SUV ever built.

When will the 2026 Dodge Durango models be available at dealerships?

Dealer orders for Durango GT and SRT Hellcat open August 13, 2025, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in Q4 2025. Orders for the Durango R/T AWD will open later in the year.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Dodge Durango?

All 2026 Dodge Durango models offer best-in-class towing of up to 8,700 pounds, providing unmatched capability across the entire lineup.

What is the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak package?

The Jailbreak package is a $995 option that unlocks over 6 million customization combinations, including choices for wheels, exterior colors, badge colors, seat configurations, dual-stripes, brake calipers, and seat belt colors.