Next-Gen Dodge Durango Coming In 2026 Model Year

Will Continue To Be Built In Detroit, Will Have BEV And ICE Powertrains...

Robert S. Miller November 17, 2023

Future Dodge Durango rendering. (MoparInsiders).

The Dodge Durango (WD) is one of the longest-running and most popular SUVs in the American market today. Its history began in 1998, and the current Durango, the third generation, was launched in 2011 and updated in 2013 and 2021. However, an all-new Durango is scheduled for 2026, according to documents released during the recent United Auto Workers (UAW) contract negotiations.

The next-generation Dodge Durango, codenamed D6U, will continue to be produced at the Detroit Assembly Complex inside the city limits of Detroit alongside the Jeep® Grand Cherokee. The new Durango will be made on the unibody STLA Large architecture. The same architecture will underpin a majority of new Stellantis North America vehicles like the Dodge Charger (LB) muscle car, luxurious Jeep Wagoneer S (KX), off-road-ready Jeep Recon (EJ), and the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (J6U).

The documents indicate that the next-generation Durango will feature internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrain options. The STLA Large architecture will now be the base for most D-segment and all E and F-segment unibody vehicles going forward. The architecture is designed to deliver up to 500 miles (800 km) of electric range with Stellantis-designed electric drive modules (EDMs) and modular battery packs. Designers and engineers can tailor the platform’s length, width, and powertrain configuration to specific product designs.

Dealers were given a sneak peek of a new Dodge E-segment SUV design concept at the March annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas. There, it was called the Dodge Stealth. Those in attendance were shown a new three-row SUV with a sportier, more streamlined look and a more contemporary design language. While this vehicle was shown, its look wasn’t finalized.

When the vehicle arrives, it should retain the Durango nameplate. The Durango name has a long history since 1998 and is generally well-regarded by the public.

The next-generation Durango will be the second all-electric vehicle in the Dodge portfolio, behind the Dodge Charger Daytona. We probably won’t see the new Durango in concept form until late 2024 or early 2025. Until then, the current Dodge Durango will be sold in 2024 and 2025, which isn’t bad.

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bill burke Nov 17, 2023 #1

I hope the next generation Durango is developed with a more youthful athletic and performance oriented styling theme than the now emerging luxury, yet still capable, Grand Cherokee. Auto manufacturers have long used these distinctive but non essential differences to create a unique vehicle for different brands while structurally utilizing almost identical platforms and architectures. Think having two very similar but very distinct brand oriented SUVs for both Dodge and Jeep will work quite well. I can see a future for the same formula for a Jeep Cherokee and a Chrysler SUV. Throw the Wagoneer S and Recon into that last formula of platform siblings and you have a potential four for one jackpot.
I do hope the braintrust at Stellantis allows every one of these projected vehicles to follow the Durango broad approach to power as covered here with ICE still utilized in every offerings. That includes the Wagoneer S and Recon. The latest Jeep decision on the Jeep Avenger In eco obsessed Europe gives hope to that now very obvious necessity for a gas powered future for everything, for North America certainly, is implemented and to finally submit to consumer demands, eat some crow and give people what they want and that is clearly not an all electric strategy.
Looking forward to the next generation multi powered Dodge Durango.

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MoparRay Nov 18, 2023 #2

I think that Stellantis needs to have an affordable Wagoneer to compete with the Tahoe. This is where Plymouth brand would help. If they make the new Durango more sport than there's no need for Grand Cherokee SRT.

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bill burke Nov 18, 2023 #3

I think that Stellantis needs to have an affordable Wagoneer to compete with the Tahoe. This is where Plymouth brand would help. If they make the new Durango more sport than there's no need for Grand Cherokee SRT.

Agree that performance is Dodge’s niche as Jeep goes more upscale. Dodge did a good job of making the Durango, launched as a traditional SUV, over time more sporty with success. The next generation Durango is more a blank sheet and a chance to shed weight, bulky appearance with a slicker roof line to enhance its aggressive look. The front must be shaped to look forward and eager, the tail more modern too. I’ve seen some computer renditions that have fit that design. No doubt, Dodge needs an SUV above the Hornet and a shortened aggressive spin off of the Grand Cherokee can do it for Dodge. The opportunity to redefine Durango beyond cosmetics is there, will Dodge go all in or stay safe? I know what I’d do.

MPE426HEMI Nov 19, 2023 #4

Glad to hear there will be ICE options available. And yes, more aggressive styling and less luxury.

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bill burke Nov 19, 2023 #5

Pretty sure Dodge has figured this out and did not need me to clue them in on the deal with Durango. But what the heck I got nothing better to do other than watch Tommy DeVito tear things up on TV. Pretty good QB for a rookie. Wonder if he drives a Dodge.

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