OPINION: Dodge Missed the Mark With Its 2026 Durango Lineup

Drvenkman · 2025-10-12T16:52:43-0700

The fact that Dodge only has 1 fresh, all new car is about as pathetic as it can get. The Durango has not received any significant upgrades since 2011MY is also telling. Dodge is junk. Look at the door panels on a 2011 Durango and then a 2026. That is only one piece of the junk. Chrysler will not be around in 5 years. Ram is gay. Imagine buying a Ram Dakota, super gay. No company in the history of the industrialized western civilization has been more poorly managed. Jeep, not that great. Wrangler is it. I despise foreigners owning American companies.

JDB1937 · 2025-10-12T16:57:44-0700

The Mopar Junkie said:
OPINION: Dodge Missed the Mark With Its 2026 Durango Lineup
Why an All-HEMI® Strategy Could Backfire and How a Scat Pack Rebrand Could Save It

View attachment 12118

When Dodge announced that the 2026 Durango lineup would go all-HEMI®, it felt like a bold move—but not necessarily a smart one. As someone who’s been very vocal about this on my The Mopar Junkie YouTube channel, I have to say this decision leaves a lot of longtime Dodge fans scratching their heads. Instead of clarifying the lineup, it adds confusion—and risks alienating buyers who have been the backbone of Durango sales for years.

OPINION: Dodge Missed the Mark With Its 2026 Durango Lineup

Discover why the 2026 Durango lineup decision by Dodge is seen as a misstep by fans and industry experts alike.

moparinsiders.com

Yes Dodge missed the mark here. I dont think it would be too much to still offer the GT with 3.6v6 and rwd, which would be a lot cheaper. Indeed dodge has always had the low end of the market. Now, however, you can get a jeep grand cherokee with V6 and rwd! The only reason they are doing this is because this is the end of the line for the current durango and they are consolidating the line in its last year or so.

Mike201 · 2025-10-12T17:27:39-0700

This has been one of my mixed subjects for Dodge for years. Since the 318 V8 was phased out Dodge has only offered pretty much 2 basic engines for their vehicles Yes there are semantics in here as to when Dodge trucks became Ram, the V-10 and various 6 cylinders have appeared since 2000, so I will use 2005 as my starting point.
Since that time I have owned a 2008 Chrysler 300, 2 Chargers 2010 & 2013, and currently a 2021 Durango GT.
Due to the structure Dodge (& Chrysler) set up I was only was only able to get the 3,5 and 3.6 in my models. Now the reason for this was my doing, but only because Dodge put me in that situation.
I love the V8 and my last one was the 318 in my 2000 Durango. Since then my Chargers and current Durango limited me to only the 6-cylinder unless I bumped up to an R/T. Well I could afford the extra couple grand for the Hemi, but due to those 2 letters R/T on either model, the insurance (and town tax’s) made it to expensive to insure.
So why couldn’t Dodge offer the Hemi in a lower model with out the R/T’s bells and whistles?
Now with that being said, I did like the 3.5 in the 300 and ‘10 Charger, but loved the Pentastar 3.6 in my ‘13 Charger and Durango. Although I love the GT Durango options and my MPG with the 3.6, I would like a Hemi. This new changes gives me that option, but I truly understand stand Bob’s point. I guess the 3.6 could have been left as an option along with the Hemi in the GT. This would give the buyer the option for the savings with the 3.6 for the budget minded person or the Hemi guy who wants that V8 without all the R/T’s extra stuff.

patfromigh · 2025-10-12T17:52:38-0700

I find it odd that the previous generation Durango could be had with a hybrid powertrain and this one isn't even allowed the 48V BSG that the Ram 1500 offers. I might also add the Jeep Wrangler offered the Pentastar V6 with 48V for a few years as well.

I suspect what we are witnessing is a hangover from the net-zero party provided by the previous regime running Stellantis. Looking at the product lineup here in America, the circumstantial evidence hints of an apathetic attitude towards product improvement, since "Everything is going battery electric, why bother."

As stated in the post above, the Durango is most likely in its twilight years. The class leaders in this segment offer a hybrid option, but most are not plugin hybrids. Jeep pushed the plugin hybrid as a faux EV and killed the brand reputation and hurt the Grand Cherokee. Confusing the consumers is a recipe for disaster. Isn't this a large part of what Bob's Op-Ed is concerned about ?

Josh · 2025-10-12T19:08:56-0700

The Mopar Junkie said:
OPINION: Dodge Missed the Mark With Its 2026 Durango Lineup
Why an All-HEMI® Strategy Could Backfire and How a Scat Pack Rebrand Could Save It

View attachment 12118

When Dodge announced that the 2026 Durango lineup would go all-HEMI®, it felt like a bold move—but not necessarily a smart one. As someone who’s been very vocal about this on my The Mopar Junkie YouTube channel, I have to say this decision leaves a lot of longtime Dodge fans scratching their heads. Instead of clarifying the lineup, it adds confusion—and risks alienating buyers who have been the backbone of Durango sales for years.

OPINION: Dodge Missed the Mark With Its 2026 Durango Lineup

Discover why the 2026 Durango lineup decision by Dodge is seen as a misstep by fans and industry experts alike.

moparinsiders.com

The dude that posted this article is clearly clueless, especially considering that he is the one the reported on the Durango's replacement months ago.

1.) If someone wants a 3.6 so bad, well the Grand Cherokee is 3.6 only moron.

2.) The Durango has only like two model years left, and it's stale by some people's standards. Going V8 on a vehicle with only two model years left was a way to bring some excitement to an almost forgotten vehicle.

3.) Who the hell is buying a Dodge Durango as an affordable family vehicle, regardless of engine? Has the writer of this article seen prices of Durangos with 3.6s lol? Dodge is a performance brand now, especially since the departure of the Journey and Grand Caravan, remember? Furthermore, regardless of engine the Durango is an expensive vehicle period. It's like the guy that wrote this article is completely clueless or something.

4.) So if I'm in the market for a "performance" SUV and I can't afford a German performance SUV, the limited edition V8 only Durango is an option. Do people really believe that a V8 only Durango will be around more than two years? It's like the guy that wrote the article forgot he posted an article about the forthcoming Dodge Stealth smh...

The Mopar Junkie · 2025-10-12T19:55:46-0700

Mopar426 · 2025-10-12T21:00:38-0700

Makes lots of sense if its indeed true that the 5.7 is cheaper for them to build than the pentastar (and there are no more CAFE fines to worry about). I figure they realize its too old to compete with 6 cyl SUVs or they'll just push you into a GC if you want a 6.

vbondjr1 · 2025-10-12T22:48:47-0700

The problem with the 3.6L is that even though it's reliable, it's not really competitive in the market anymore. An even bigger problem is that honestly, not much in Mopar's lineup is competitive anymore because they took way too long to adapt to the changing market and stuck their ground with making muscle cars. While Dodge was dead wrong for bringing out the EV Charger without the six pack. The brand was at a loss all the way around being that it's leadership was terrible and "We, the People," can be a bit resilient to change.

Stellantis, North America, has everything it needs to be successful right now with the STLA Large platform, STLA Frame platform, the two Hurricane engines, the 2.0L Hurricane-4, the 5.7L Hemi and the ZF transmissions in both conventional and plug in hybrid variants. There is literally no reason for any of this nonsense to be the way it is. It's very simple

1.) STLA Large Platform: There is NO REASON, NONE, that anything that isn't a truck can't be built on the STLA Large platform. For Dodge, that includes both the Charger and Durango, For Jeep, that includes the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, the Recon and the poorly named Wagoneer S. The base engine for all of these vehicles should be the 375hp/470lb-ft torque 2.0L "4Xe" powertrain. For the Charger and Durango this should be the GT & GT Citadel packages. Moving up from there Both the Charger and the Durango should have the 420hp/470tq Hurricane S/O AWD powertrain and then the 550hp/531tq Scat Pack trim levels with the Hurricane H/O. With the 5.7L Hemi being the only CARB compliant powertrain out there right now, doesn't it make sense that the 650hp Supercharged 5.7L Hemi be the "Base" SRT powertrain. How hard would it be to put the 6.1L crank in this thing with those Spray ARC cylinder walls, and a few other things with the Supercharger on it and a revised set of exhaust manifolds and have that be the Standard SRT trim level. For those who want more power for any of these trim levels, let Direct Connection sell the upgrades and bring it all together. Why is that so difficult to figure out? With Jeep, take the Wagoneer S, drop the name and incorporate all of that styling into the Grand Cherokee and blend the two vehicles together. Powertrains include the 375hp 4Xe and the Supercharged 650hp 5.7L SRT. Same with the Recon. Cherokee needs to be corrected with the 375hp 4Xe powertrain as it's sole option. Ram needed to get with the Program and bring the Rampage here on the STLA Large platform, styled like the one in Mexico but with a RWD base AWD system powered by the same 375hp 4Xe powertrain that's in everything else I mentioned above .

2.) STLA Frame: Another thing Dodge is missing from it's lineup is a Full Size SUV to compete with the Expedition & Tahoe. This is where the Ramcharger name should have went in the first place and they should be powered by the two Hurricane-6 engines. R/T & Scat Pack for the Street performance packages, Citadel for the Luxury package and a 420hp Ramcharger 4x4 off road SUV. The Wrangler needs to drop the two door and just keep the four door and get the Hurricane-6 powertrains, same as the Gladiator. The Grand Wagoneer needs a 650hp Supercharged V8 SRT variant to dethrone Cadillac's Escalade V. Ram is almost there with everything it's doing, it just needs to hurry up and bring out a Hurricane powered Dakota with street and off road performance variants.

patfromigh · 2025-10-13T00:22:59-0700

The Hurricane 6 showed up to the market already obsolete. There are no hybrid versions of that engine series. Send it back to the kitchen and tell them it's not fully baked yet. The engine makes a lot of horsepower, but a lot of people are tired of start/stop setups, they have become spoiled by driving EVs and hybrids.

vbondjr1 said:
The brand was at a loss all the way around being that it's leadership was terrible and "We, the People," can be a bit resilient to change.

Guess what, Stellantis and specifically Dodge have totally lost the election.

vbondjr1 said:
Cherokee needs to be corrected with the 375hp 4Xe powertrain as it's sole option. Ram needed to get with the Program and bring the Rampage here on the STLA Large platform, styled like the one in Mexico but with a RWD base AWD system powered by the same 375hp 4Xe powertrain that's in everything else I mentioned above .

In this election people vote with their wallets. Building all niche vehicles is a losing platform. The KM Cherokee is following the design formula of the winning passenger vehicles, which make money in the hottest segment, mid-size crossovers and SUVs with hybrid drive. When and if the D-segment Chrysler crossover arrives it has to be a design that people will open their wallets for.

The Wagoneer S and the Charger Daytona can be redeemed by offering an extended range option. Both EVs have all the parts in place for serious performance. Substituting the front electric drive unit for a ZF or Magna EREV setup may lose some power, but either EV is still ahead of the old school setups.

The BOF mid-size Ram pickup must be a replacement for the Ram 1500 Classic or it will fail. It should be built on the same line as the Jeep Gladiator which means body on frame. Were the Jeep 4Xe PHEV sales because that's what people wanted, or was it because of the government giveaways? There needs to be mild and regular hybrid choices as well. Less batteries means more affordable.

Entry level products should not be ignored. The legacy Chrysler Corporate brands need C-segment vehicles, which means smaller platforms. The Jeep Compass will arrive on the STLA-Medium platform and there should be a Dodge and a Chrysler as well to keep the line busy. If Stellantis decides to go in with Nissan on their e-Power offer, that will change the game for the smaller vehicles.

jeep06 · 2025-10-13T03:20:42-0700

vbondjr1 said:
The problem with the 3.6L is that even though it's reliable, it's not really competitive in the market anymore. An even bigger problem is that honestly, not much in Mopar's lineup is competitive anymore because they took way too long to adapt to the changing market and stuck their ground with making muscle cars. While Dodge was dead wrong for bringing out the EV Charger without the six pack. The brand was at a loss all the way around being that it's leadership was terrible and "We, the People," can be a bit resilient to change.

Stellantis, North America, has everything it needs to be successful right now with the STLA Large platform, STLA Frame platform, the two Hurricane engines, the 2.0L Hurricane-4, the 5.7L Hemi and the ZF transmissions in both conventional and plug in hybrid variants. There is literally no reason for any of this nonsense to be the way it is. It's very simple

1.) STLA Large Platform: There is NO REASON, NONE, that anything that isn't a truck can't be built on the STLA Large platform. For Dodge, that includes both the Charger and Durango, For Jeep, that includes the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, the Recon and the poorly named Wagoneer S. The base engine for all of these vehicles should be the 375hp/470lb-ft torque 2.0L "4Xe" powertrain. For the Charger and Durango this should be the GT & GT Citadel packages. Moving up from there Both the Charger and the Durango should have the 420hp/470tq Hurricane S/O AWD powertrain and then the 550hp/531tq Scat Pack trim levels with the Hurricane H/O. With the 5.7L Hemi being the only CARB compliant powertrain out there right now, doesn't it make sense that the 650hp Supercharged 5.7L Hemi be the "Base" SRT powertrain. How hard would it be to put the 6.1L crank in this thing with those Spray ARC cylinder walls, and a few other things with the Supercharger on it and a revised set of exhaust manifolds and have that be the Standard SRT trim level. For those who want more power for any of these trim levels, let Direct Connection sell the upgrades and bring it all together. Why is that so difficult to figure out? With Jeep, take the Wagoneer S, drop the name and incorporate all of that styling into the Grand Cherokee and blend the two vehicles together. Powertrains include the 375hp 4Xe and the Supercharged 650hp 5.7L SRT. Same with the Recon. Cherokee needs to be corrected with the 375hp 4Xe powertrain as it's sole option. Ram needed to get with the Program and bring the Rampage here on the STLA Large platform, styled like the one in Mexico but with a RWD base AWD system powered by the same 375hp 4Xe powertrain that's in everything else I mentioned above .

2.) STLA Frame: Another thing Dodge is missing from it's lineup is a Full Size SUV to compete with the Expedition & Tahoe. This is where the Ramcharger name should have went in the first place and they should be powered by the two Hurricane-6 engines. R/T & Scat Pack for the Street performance packages, Citadel for the Luxury package and a 420hp Ramcharger 4x4 off road SUV. The Wrangler needs to drop the two door and just keep the four door and get the Hurricane-6 powertrains, same as the Gladiator. The Grand Wagoneer needs a 650hp Supercharged V8 SRT variant to dethrone Cadillac's Escalade V. Ram is almost there with everything it's doing, it just needs to hurry up and bring out a Hurricane powered Dakota with street and off road performance variants.

wow... uhh im happy your not makeing any decisions at stellantis XD

bill burke · 2025-10-13T04:57:00-0700

Really? Is this an issue, really? The Durango is in its final phase and then whatever replaces it will be all new and different in many ways, just like the next generation Grand Cherokee. I’m going on my eighth year with my very dependable and satisfying 2019 Cherokee that, except for me wanting a change, I will stick with until the smoke clears on all the new SUVs from Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler.
I’m a Mopar guy, I can get most anything else out there and the luxury imports are appealing, but it’s my thing with my Mopars, so I’ll wait. Rented a Camry pure hybrid (no plug in) for two weeks on my latest vacation to Florida, and I kind of enjoyed it. I was stunned that I did, but still have reservations on dependability over time. I think it will be lots of hybrids going forward for my Mopars, hopefully not plug ins, so I’m playing the odds in my disturbed little brain. What’s left of it.
Anyway, this Durango discussion is a non issue. Give the stressed guys at Dodge a break already, they’re working hard to turn things around and they need our support. Go Dodge !

Mike201 · 2025-10-13T05:30:12-0700

jeep06 said:
wow... uhh im happy your not makeing any decisions at stellantis XD

bill burke said:
Really? Is this an issue, really? The Durango is in its final phase and then whatever replaces it will be all new and different in many ways, just like the next generation Grand Cherokee. I’m going on my eighth year with my very dependable and satisfying 2019 Cherokee that, except for me wanting a change, I will stick with until the smoke clears on all the new SUVs from Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler.
I’m a Mopar guy, I can get most anything else out there and the luxury imports are appealing, but it’s my thing with my Mopars, so I’ll wait. Rented a Camry pure hybrid (no plug in) for two weeks on my latest vacation to Florida, and I kind of enjoyed it. I was stunned that I did, but still have reservations on dependability over time. I think it will be lots of hybrids going forward for my Mopars, hopefully not plug ins, so I’m playing the odds in my disturbed little brain. What’s left of it.
Anyway, this Durango discussion is a non issue. Give the stressed guys at Dodge a break already, they’re working hard to turn things around and they need our support. Go Dodge !

Ditto Bill!!! Well said. I’m in the same boat with my wife’s 2017 Cherokee. Love it, still problem free, and we don’t mind waiting till the dust clears. For us it’s Mopar or no Car.

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OPINION: Dodge Missed the Mark With Its 2026 Durango Lineup