HEMI® Takeover: Dodge Shocks Media with V8-Only 2026 Durango Lineup

Dodge dropped a bombshell today at Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge, and it wasn’t just the roaring burnout sessions or the debut of the 2026 Durango SRT HELLCAT Jailbreak. In a move no one saw coming, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear announced that every single 2026 Dodge Durango—GT, R/T, and SRT HELLCAT—will now come standard with a HEMI® V8 engine. That’s right. No more V6s. No more wondering, “Does that thing got a HEMI?” The answer is now a loud and proud yes.

McAlear’s announcement caught the media off guard. Everyone expected something big from Dodge at Roadkill Nights, but no one predicted a full-on HEMI takeover across the entire Durango lineup. It’s a move that not only redefines the Durango’s role in the SUV market but also raises the bar for affordable performance.

“We’re harnessing that momentum to do what Dodge does best: bring more horsepower to the masses,” McAlear said during the reveal. “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.”

GT Gets the Iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V8 – 

Kicking things off, the 2026 Durango GT says goodbye to the trusty Pentastar V6 and hello to the legendary 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI V8. With 395 horsepower under the hood—up 65 horsepower from the outgoing V6—the GT now delivers muscle-car performance in a family SUV package. Starting at just $42,495 (excluding destination), it officially becomes the most affordable all-wheel-drive V8 SUV on the market.

Dodge says the HEMI-powered GT is 22% more powerful, 50% more torquey, and a full second quicker from 0–60 mph than the V6 it replaces. Towing jumps up, throttle response improves, and that signature V8 rumble? It’s now standard.

R/T Moves Up: Now Powered by the 392 HEMI – 

Then there’s the R/T. Previously powered by the 5.7-liter HEMI, it now passes that engine down to the GT. For 2026, the Durango R/T gets the beefy 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V8. That’s the same engine found in the old SRT392 and Charger Scat Pack.

This new R/T puts down 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque—a massive 115-horsepower bump over the 2025 model. It’s now the most powerful SUV available in the U.S. under $50,000. If the 5.7L was solid, the 392 is downright rowdy. It’s the muscle SUV your neighbor’s crossover wishes it could be.

SRT HELLCAT: Supercharged Muscle, Supercharged Value –

At the top of the food chain, the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT HELLCAT roars back with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8 making a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 60 mph takes just 3.5 seconds, and it’ll do a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. Oh—and it starts at $79,995, making it the best value in the high-performance SUV world, hands down.

Jailbreak Returns With Millions of Combos – 

Of course, Dodge couldn’t just stop there. The new 2026 Durango SRT HELLCAT Jailbreak also made its debut today. This customizable beast offers more than 6 million potential build combinations. Want red seatbelts, blue brake calipers, black stripes, and bronze wheels? Go for it. Jailbreak opens up nearly every design and appearance option imaginable—for just $995 more.

The Big Picture: HEMI for All – 

This bold shift isn’t just about numbers. It’s about identity. Dodge is doubling down on what makes it different in a sea of bland crossovers and electrified everything. By offering only HEMI V8 engines across the Durango lineup, Dodge is giving customers what they want—performance, attitude, and unmistakable muscle.

McAlear summed it up best:

“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,” he said. “This move is about delivering on our promise—everyday muscle for everyday drivers.”

Orders Open August 13th – 

Dealer orders for the 2026 Durango GT and SRT HELLCAT open August 13, with arrivals scheduled for Q4. Orders for the new R/T AWD model will open later in the year.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a V8 SUV or mourning the loss of affordable muscle, Dodge just gave you a reason to smile. The 2026 Durango lineup is loud, proud, and unapologetically HEMI.