If you’ve been waiting for Dodge to put the rumble back into its three-row SUV, this is your moment. For 2026, the Durango lineup goes all-V-8, and the big news is the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI to the mainstream GT trims—exactly the combo many shoppers asked for. Dodge hasn’t just sprinkled in nostalgia; it’s re-organized trims, sharpened pricing, and bundled the right options so you can spec a family hauler that still feels like a muscle SUV.
The quick headline
- Base engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 (360 hp / 390 lb-ft) with AWD on GT models, replacing the V-6.
- Trim walk (V-8s only): GT (5.7), R/T (6.4 “392”), SRT Hellcat (6.2 supercharged).
- Key caveat: R/T 392 and Hellcat aren’t sold in CARB states for now; the GT 5.7 is nationwide.
Pricing you can actually plan around
Dodge’s pricing for the HEMI GT family lines up neatly, and dealer order-guide breakdowns make it easy to see what you get at each step:
- GT HEMI AWD — $44,490 (that’s $42,495 base + $1,995 destination)
What you’re getting: 5.7-liter HEMI with 8-speed automatic, AWD, 20-inch wheels and cloth bucket seats out of the box. It’s the most affordable way into an AWD V-8 SUV on the market right now, according to Dodge’s positioning. Packages include Tow ’N Go, Trailer Tow Group IV, and Blacktop for the blackout look. - GT Plus HEMI AWD — $47,490
Think of this as the sweet spot: you keep the same HEMI drivetrain, but add leather-trimmed seats (ventilated in front), heated second row, power sunroof, and a bigger safety/driver-assist bundle (blind-spot monitoring with trailer detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with full stop, auto high beams). - GT Premium HEMI AWD — $50,990
Now you’re playing near-luxury: suede headliner, forged-carbon accents, Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio (825 W), plus the comfort and convenience upgrades most families want. It’s the “everything I need without going R/T” configuration.
If you’re cross-shopping the hotter stuff, R/T (6.4-liter “392”) starts at $51,990 and SRT Hellcat at $81,990 for 2026—though note the CARB limitation for those two. (Dodge has also published a separate page showing $79,995 MSRP for the Hellcat; the difference vs. third-party reporting usually comes down to how destination is included and the timing of updates.)
What changed for 2026—and why it matters
1) The V-6 is gone at the base. The GT now starts with the 5.7 HEMI and AWD. For families who hated the idea of a three-row Dodge without a V-8 option, this is the correction. Power jumps to 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, which transforms everyday drivability (merging, passing, towing) compared with the old V-6
2) The trim ladder makes sense. Dodge keeps the characterful spread: GT (5.7) for accessible muscle, R/T (392) for a big step in shove and sound, and Hellcat for “because why not.” That clarity helps buyers land on the right price/performance point.
3) CARB-state reality check. If you live in California or one of the 16 other CARB states, you can buy the GT 5.7, but you can’t order R/T 392 or Hellcat—for now. Dodge says it’s evaluating options with regulators; we’ll keep an eye on it.
Packages that make a difference
If you want the GT to feel like a baby SRT without the fuel bills, two choices stand out:
- Tow ’N Go Package (≈ $6,195): Adds Brembo brakes, adaptive damping, performance steering, e-LSD, drive modes (Sport/Track/Tow/Snow), a throatier exhaust, tires to match, and upgraded towing hardware. It doesn’t just pull more—it feels more Durango-SRT.
- Blacktop (and Blacktop Redline) appearance packs: The fastest way to get the sinister look—black wheels/badging and additional exterior bits—without stepping into the V-8s above. (Redline is the splashier, limited version.)
If you’re a cabin-comfort person, GT Plus brings the ventilated/leather combo and second-row heat; GT Premium piles on the premium audio and trim so you won’t feel like you compromised by skipping the R/T.
How it stacks up—and who should buy which
- GT (5.7): You want the sound and torque without breaking the bank. You’ll tow recreational gear, haul family, and appreciate AWD security—this is you. The price/performance balance is strong, and with Tow ’N Go it becomes a compelling muscle-SUV daily.
- R/T (392): You care about effortless passing, louder attitude, and weekend canyon runs. If you don’t live in a CARB state (or you’re willing to shop out of state), the 392 is the big-lung sweet spot.
- Hellcat: You already know. It’s the 710-hp flex that makes the school drop-off hilarious and the on-ramp a personal highlight reel. Pricing drops $5,000 vs. last year according to multiple reports, which only makes the temptation worse. (Availability and exact MSRP figures vary by source and timing.)
Bottom line
Dodge didn’t just bring back the HEMI—it rebuilt the Durango lineup around it. By making the 5.7 V-8 standard on GT and layering clear, meaningful steps to GT Plus and GT Premium, the brand has turned the base Durango into the value play for AWD V-8 SUVs, while preserving the wild stuff (392 and Hellcat) where regulations allow. If you’ve been waiting for a three-row with real character—and a budget that doesn’t start with an 8—this GT family is your lane.
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