Little more than three months ago, Dodge was proud to announce that every single version of the Durango three-row SUV came with a V8 engine, with the base model doing away with the older Pentastar V6. The Durango is also the cheapest V8-powered SUV with all-wheel drive in the country.
After all the fanfare about V8 power across the entire range, the Pentastar V6 has made a surprising comeback. Dodge says this decision will help it meet demand for the SUV, with sales recently soaring despite the Durango’s age.
Related: This Is The Cheapest V8-Powered SUV You Can Buy Right Now
Less Power, Lower Price
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While the 3.6-liter V6 isn’t nearly as exciting as the Hemi V8, it still makes more power than the average vehicle in this class, with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque; some turbocharged competitors like the base Mazda CX-90 have less power (280 hp) but considerably more torque (332 lb-ft). With standard rear-wheel drive, the base Durango GT now costs $38,995, which is $3,700 less than the cheapest V8 model. The Durango GT Hemi has a 5.7L V8 producing 360 hp.
Further up in the range, the Durango’s performance dramatically increases. The R/T model has a larger 6.4L V8 with 475 hp, while the outrageous SRT Hellcat gets a 6.2L supercharged V8 with 710 hp.
“Dodge Durango is on a tear,” said Dodge CEO Matt McAlear. “The HEMI is hot, Durango recently achieved its best Q3 sales in 20 years, and to keep that sales momentum going, we’re re-opening orders for the V-6 Durango GT to help us meet Durango demand while supply of HEMI engines ramps up.”
Not All 2026 Models Available Yet
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While orders for the 2026 Durango V6 opened on November 19, you’ll have to wait until the first quarter of 2026 to order the Durango R/T. If your budget can accommodate it, the SRT Hellcat costs $79,995, but it’s still the quickest and most powerful three-row gas SUV you can buy.
Dodge’s strategy for the Durango is clearly paying off, given its recent sales figures, which increased by 44% in Q3 relative to the same quarter in 2024. The continued presence of V8 power and the introduction of fun colors have kept enthusiasts coming back for more.
Why It Matters
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A new generation of the Dodge Durango is only expected to arrive in 2029. It’s expected to retain the performance edge it has over rivals, while introducing enhanced refinement and the latest technologies. However, 2029 is still quite a few years away when you consider that the current model has already been in production for 15 years. That’s why Dodge is constantly optimizing the range, be it in terms of powertrain availability, quality improvements, or the scope for customization.
