The muscle SUV game just got a whole lot hotter. Dodge has announced that starting August 13, every 2026 Durango — from the entry-level GT to the ferocious SRT Hellcat — will roar with a legendary HEMI V8 engine. This bold move sees Dodge doubling down on its muscle heritage, delivering more power, torque, and towing capability across the board.
Power for all
Gone are the days when only top trims could claim a V8 under the bonnet. Now, even the base Durango GT throws out a serious 5.7-litre HEMI V8 punch, boasting 65 extra horsepower over the outgoing V6. That’s a 22% horsepower boost, a 50% torque increase, and a sprint to 60mph that’s over a second quicker at 6.2 seconds flat. Best of all, at a starting price of $42,495 (excluding destination fees), it’s the most affordable all-wheel-drive V8 SUV on the market today.
Step up to the R/T and things get even more exciting. For the first time, the R/T will be powered by Dodge’s famed 392-cubic-inch (6.4-litre) HEMI V8, cranking out 475hp and 470lb-ft of torque. That’s a hefty 115hp gain over the previous 5.7-litre engine, delivering sharper throttle response and an exhaust note that commands attention. Impressively, this places the R/T at the pinnacle of power for SUVs priced under $50,000.
The Hellcat legacy continues
At the summit is the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat — a beast that still holds the title as the most powerful gas-powered SUV ever built. Its supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 produces a staggering 710hp and 645lb-ft of torque, launching the three-row muscle SUV from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph. Now starting at $79,995, Dodge has made this monster more attainable than ever.
New for 2026 is the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak edition, a customisation playground offering more than six million potential combinations. Buyers can tailor everything from wheel design and exterior colours to stripe patterns and brake caliper shades — all unlocked for an additional $995.
More muscle, more muscle SUVs
Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO, sums it up: “Dodge Durango is on a tear… We’re harnessing that momentum to do what Dodge does best: bring more horsepower to the masses.” With best-in-class towing capability of up to 8,700 pounds across the lineup and fuel-saving cylinder deactivation tech ensuring efficiency doesn’t fall by the wayside, Dodge has effectively rewritten the muscle SUV playbook.
The 2026 Durango’s combination of accessible V8 power, aggressive styling, and serious capability means it’s not just a three-row SUV — it’s a genuine muscle car for families. If muscle SUVs are your thing, the Durango lineup just got a lot harder to beat.
Source: Dodge