Automotive news doesn’t usually flip this fast. But Dodge? Dodge just pulled off one of the quickest, wildest, and most logical U-turns we’ve seen in years.
Just two months after declaring the 2026 Dodge Durango would be V8-only, with the affordable V6 dead and buried, the brand has completely reversed course — and the result is huge for buyers.
If you were confused, irritated, or ready to jump ship when Dodge killed the V6… this deep dive explains exactly what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the future of the Durango lineup.
The Original Decision: “V8 Only” — The SUV World Was Shocked
Back in September, Dodge announced something nobody expected:
Every 2026 Durango would come with a HEMI V8.
No V6. No entry-level model. No budget option.
That instantly pushed the base price past $44,000, making the Durango one of the most expensive three-row SUVs on the market. It suddenly cost more than:
- A well-equipped Kia Telluride
- A Toyota Grand Highlander
- Even a Jeep Grand Cherokee
It was a bold move… maybe too bold.
Customers didn’t just complain — they collectively yelled. And Dodge heard every word.
The Reversal: Dodge Brings Back the Pentastar V6
In a rare and refreshing move, Dodge listened to the backlash.
Now the 2026 Durango GT returns with the trusted 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, offering:
- 295 horsepower
- 260 lb-ft of torque
- RWD standard
- AWD for just $2,000 extra
And the biggest headline:
Starting price: $41,000 (destination included).
That’s:
- $3,500 cheaper than the V8 GT
- Only $500 more than last year’s V6 Durango
Dodge didn’t just revive the V6 — they revived the Durango’s entire value proposition.
Why Did Dodge Flip-Flop? The Real Reason Makes Perfect Sense
Despite what it looked like, this wasn’t panic — it was logistics.
Dodge initially went V8-only because HEMI production was tight.
Supply shortages meant Dodge had to allocate engines carefully, prioritizing top-trim performance models.
Now?
HEMI production is ramping back up.
That means Dodge can:
- Still sell all the 5.7 and 6.4 V8s loyal buyers want
- Keep the new 710-hp Hellcat alive
- AND bring back the affordable V6 without straining supply
This wasn’t a mistake — it was timing.
The 2026 Durango Lineup: Now Truly “Best of Both Worlds”
With the V6 restored, the entire lineup finally makes sense again:
✔ V6 Durango GT — Affordable, efficient, great daily driver
Perfect for families who just need a roomy RWD/AWD SUV with reasonable fuel economy.
✔ 5.7L HEMI — The middle-ground performer
More grunt, classic V8 character, still reasonably priced.
✔ 6.4L R/T — Serious muscle
The big HEMI, towing power, and unmistakable sound.
✔ SRT Hellcat — 710 horsepower of insanity
Still available. Still ridiculous. Still unmatched in the SUV world.
This is exactly the lineup Dodge needed — variety without leaving budget-conscious buyers out in the cold.
Will the Return of the V6 Save the Durango’s Sales?
Almost certainly.
The Durango has always thrived on two things:
- Big-power V8 options
- A price that undercuts Tahoe, Wagoneer, and Explorer
Removing the V6 destroyed that formula overnight.
Bringing it back restores the Durango’s entire market positioning.
This move may even help Dodge hang onto customers waiting for the next-gen electric models.
Final Verdict: Dodge Made the Right Call — and Buyers Win
This wasn’t a backtrack. It wasn’t confusion.
It was Dodge reading the room, crunching the numbers, and realizing the Durango needed a proper entry point again.
The result?
A 2026 Durango lineup that’s stronger, more flexible, and more affordable.
You can daily a V6, upgrade to a HEMI, or go full-send with the Hellcat.
It’s a rare case where an automaker changed course — and absolutely nailed it.
