2026 Dodge Durango Review: Design, Interior, Performance, and Price, Interior, and Price Updates, If you’re looking for an SUV that doesn’t hide its muscle under the hood, the 2026 Dodge Durango is making a bold statement. This year’s model leans into power, style, and tech upgrades, pushing harder than ever to keep fans of performance SUVs excited. With Dodge ditching the V6 for a full V8 lineup, it’s clear — the Durango isn’t trying to blend in.
Exterior
From the outside, the 2026 Durango wears confidence. Its broad stance, squared shoulders, and aggressive front fascia push a rugged, purposeful look. The grille is more assertive, flanked by slim LED headlights that wrap into the front sheetmetal. The hood features sharper lines and contouring, hinting at the muscle beneath. Along the sides, the proportions remain classic for a three-row SUV — but the fenders are more muscular, and the wheels are bolder. At the rear, the taillight signature is sleeker, and the dual exhaust tips ground the design in performance DNA. Optional trims (R/T, Hellcat) bring extra cladding, sportier wheels, and design accents that push the visual statement even further.
One of the biggest changes: the 2026 Durango has officially gone V8-only, eliminating the V6 across the lineup. Every trim now packs a HEMI V-8 of varying displacement and power. This decision shifts Durango’s identity more firmly into muscle SUV territory.
Interior & Tech & Comfort
Inside, the Durango balances utility and style. The cabin is roomy, with three rows of seats and flexible seating layouts. Higher trims offer captain’s chairs, which ease access to the third row. Materials are better refined: you’ll find leather, contrast stitching, and more upscale trim choices in R/T and Hellcat variants. Soft-touch surfaces and better insulation help dampen road and engine noise — which is good, because you’ll want to hear that V8 roar just right, not drowned out.
Tech is upgraded across the board. The 2026 models feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the latest Uconnect 5 system with over-the-air update support. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; R/T adds a premium Alpine audio system and wireless charging. The user interface is more responsive and easier to navigate than before. For passengers, there are ample USB ports, smart storage spaces, and climate controls tuned to keep all three rows comfortable.
Cargo space is solid: with all seats up, you still get usable volume, and when the third row folds, the load area opens nicely for luggage, gear, or weekend haul.
Powertrain & Performance
This is where the 2026 Durango lives or dies — and it lives loud. Here’s the revised power lineup:
-
GT (base trim) now comes with a 5.7L HEMI V-8, delivering 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Gone is the V6 for good.
-
R/T steps up to the 6.4L “392” HEMI V-8, rated at 475 hp and 470 lb-ft.
-
SRT Hellcat / Jailbreak version returns with the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V-8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. It remains one of the most powerful gas SUVs out there.
Performance is strong: the GT’s 0–60 mph is around 6.2 seconds. The Hellcat variant can sprint in about 3.5 seconds. Towing capacity is impressive — the 5.7 V8 can pull up to 7,400 lbs in many configurations, and with proper gear, some trims push that number higher.
The eight-speed automatic transmission is tuned to handle the torque and provide smooth shifts. The chassis and suspension are tuned for balance — not just brute force. For Hellcat models, enhanced brakes (multi-piston, large rotors) and performance dampers are standard.
Here’s a specs snapshot:
| Specification | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.4L HEMI V8, 6.2L supercharged HEMI |
| Horsepower | 360 hp / 475 hp / 710 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft / 470 lb-ft / 645 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | RWD standard, AWD optional |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.2 s (GT) to ~3.5 s (Hellcat) |
| Max Towing | ~7,400 lbs (higher for configured trims) |
Price & Trim Options
The 2026 Durango lineup is organized into GT, R/T, and Hellcat (with Jailbreak customization). With the V8 shift, prices have adjusted upward:
-
GT starts at about $44,490, replacing previous V6 version and delivering the 5.7L V8 as standard.
-
R/T begins at $51,990, same as before, but now with the more muscular 392 engine.
-
Hellcat is priced at $81,990, notably $5,000 less than its 2025 counterpart.
Some trims or configurations aren’t available in states with stricter emission standards (CARB states) — for instance, the R/T and Hellcat may not be sold in stricter states due to engine compliance. The base 5.7L stays CARB-compliant, so GT versions remain available everywhere.
Dodge is also expanding customization options via the Jailbreak program for Hellcat: buyers can pick from millions of unique configurations (paint, stripes, interiors, wheels, accents) to make their Durango feel truly custom.
Extra perks, like premium audio, upgraded interiors, wheels, and performance options, can push pricing upward dramatically in higher trim levels.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Despite its performance focus, the Durango doesn’t skimp on safety. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upgrades may bring 360-degree cameras, parking assist, advanced towing aids, and adaptive cruise systems. The structure is reinforced and uses high-strength materials in critical zones, and the braking and stability systems are engineered to handle the higher power and weight loads, especially in muscle trims.
Why the 2026 Durango Matters
Dodge has doubled down on what makes the Durango unique: a three-row SUV that sounds and behaves more like a muscle car than a crossover. The move to all V8 engines shows commitment to performance identity, not compromise. The customization options via Jailbreak, the strong towing capacity, and the improved tech make this year’s Durango one of the most interesting in its lineup history.
If you want a family-capable SUV that refuses to play soft, the 2026 Durango offers something rare — muscle, space, and style in one package.