2026 Dodge Durango Goes All-HEMI® But CARB States Miss Out On Big Power

For 2026, Dodge has doubled down on its muscle SUV formula by giving every single Durango a HEMI® V8 engine. From the entry-level GT all the way to the 710-horsepower SRT HELLCAT, the days of a V6-powered Durango are gone in the U.S. But there’s a big catch: buyers in CARB-regulated states won’t be able to purchase the high-horsepower R/T 392 and SRT HELLCAT trims.

Dodge Makes Every Durango A HEMI SUV – 

The move is bold. Starting with orders placed since August 13, Dodge will sell every Durango with a HEMI V8. The lineup has been streamlined into three models:

• Durango GT – now with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, offering 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most affordable AWD V8 vehicle in the industry at $42,495.

• Durango R/T 392 – all-new for 2026, this trim gets the legendary 6.4-liter “392” HEMI with 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, a considerable step up from last year’s 5.7-powered R/T.

• Durango SRT HELLCAT – still the king, packing 710 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI. For 2026, pricing drops to $79,995, making it more attainable than ever.

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear summed up the move bluntly:

“Starting with orders placed on August 13, every Durango will come standard with a HEMI V8. It’s another Dodge power move that delivers the affordable performance our Dodge customers demand and deserve.”

The CARB State Restriction –

Shortly after the announcement, Dodge issued order guides to dealers across the country. Those guides raised eyebrows: both the Durango R/T 392 and the Durango SRT HELLCAT were listed as “FED states only.” That meant no availability in California and other states following stricter CARB (California Air Resources Board) emissions regulations.

MoparInsiders.com reached out to Dodge for clarification, and Dodge provided the following statement:

“The HEMI-powered Durango R/T 392 and the Durango SRT HELLCAT are available in non-CARB states. We’re continuing to evaluate the opportunity to provide the full V8-powered Durango lineup to all customers.”

With that, Dodge confirmed what enthusiasts had feared: buyers in CARB states won’t be able to order either the 392 or the HELLCAT.

What Are CARB States? – 

CARB is the California Air Resources Board, a regulatory agency that enforces stricter emissions standards than the federal government. Over time, more states have adopted CARB standards, creating a split U.S. market.

As of 2026, CARB states include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C.

That’s nearly 40% of the U.S. vehicle market — and every one of those states will be shut out of the Durango R/T 392 and HELLCAT.

Why Dodge Drew The Line – 

The reasoning isn’t complicated. The 6.4-liter HEMI and the supercharged 6.2-liter HELLCAT don’t currently meet CARB’s emissions requirements. Offering them in those markets would require extra certifications and modifications that may not make financial sense for Dodge, especially given Stellantis’ broader shift toward electrification.

By contrast, the 5.7-liter HEMI in the Durango GT remains available in CARB states. It already meets emissions requirements and is less costly to certify. That means GT buyers from California to New York still get V8 power — but anyone chasing 475 horsepower or more is out of luck unless they buy out of state.

For muscle SUV fans in CARB states, the restriction is a major blow. The R/T 392 was shaping up to be the sweet spot of the lineup: 475 horsepower, under $50,000, and everyday practicality. Likewise, the HELLCAT’s lowered price made it the most accessible 700+ horsepower SUV ever.

Now, those buyers face three choices:

1. Settle for the GT 5.7 HEMI, which still packs 360 horsepower but lacks the extreme punch of the 392 or HELLCAT.

2. Buy out of state in a non-CARB market, then deal with registration hurdles back home. Some states allow it with added emissions testing, while others make it nearly impossible.

3. Wait and hope Dodge follows through on its statement about “evaluating opportunities” to bring the full V8 lineup to all customers.

The split highlights the challenges performance brands face in today’s regulatory landscape. Dodge is walking a fine line: satisfying enthusiasts with more HEMI power while navigating tighter emissions rules.

The result? A two-tier market:

• Non-CARB states get access to the full muscle lineup — GT, R/T 392, and HELLCAT.

• CARB states get the GT only, leaving performance buyers underserved.

What About Canada? –

As of now, Dodge has not confirmed whether the Canadian-market 2026 Durango lineup will also be fully HEMI-powered or whether similar restrictions may apply. Canadian buyers — especially those eyeing the R/T 392 and HELLCAT — are still waiting for an official statement.

With Canada’s own emissions framework often aligning closely with CARB standards, the decision could have major implications north of the border. MoparInsiders.com has reached out for clarification, and we’ll update once Dodge Canada confirms the availability of the R/T 392 and HELLCAT models.

Thoughts – 

The 2026 Dodge Durango lineup is the boldest yet — every model packs a HEMI, delivering muscle across the board. But the story isn’t just about horsepower; it’s about geography.

In non-CARB states, the Durango R/T 392 and HELLCAT cement the SUV’s place as the ultimate family muscle machine. In CARB states, buyers will miss out on the heart of the lineup, forced to choose between the entry GT or nothing.

Dodge’s own words hint at hope for broader access in the future. For now, though, the 392 and HELLCAT are exclusive to freer markets. And that means the muscle SUV crown belongs squarely to non-CARB states.