2026 Dodge Durango Review

The Durango is a three-row SUV shaped by Dodge’s muscle car know-how. Offered with two different V-8 engine options, the 2026 Dodge Durango focuses less on outright practicality and more on fun.

This generation of Durango was introduced for 2011, making it one of the oldest vehicles on sale. Nevertheless, Dodge keeps extending the Durango’s production run, as indicated by the new Hellcat Jailbreak model being introduced for 2026.

What’s New

Basics:

• V-6 engine discontinued; V-8 now standard
• New Green Machine paint becomes available
• Jailbreak customization program available for Hellcat model
• R/T Blacktop Redline package introduced
• Tow N Go offered as standalone option on R/T model

Exterior:

• Green Machine paint color becomes available
• R/T models get new wheel options
• Non-Jailbreak Hellcat models get new two-tone wheel design

New 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak

Just like it did previously for the Charger and Challenger, Dodge is making the Jailbreak program available for the Durango SRT Hellcat. Through this, you can order the top Durango with the exact exterior, interior, and options you want.

There are six standard paints, but if you want something else Dodge will mix up a unique one-off color. Numerous choices for the wheels, Brembo brake calipers, stripes, and hood colors are available. Inside, different leathers and seatbelt colors can be paired with a five-, six- or seven-passenger seating arrangement.

Dodge says some six million potential configurations are possible. The main thing every 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak will have in common: that legendary 710-hp supercharged V-8 under the (optionally gloss black-painted) hood.

What We Think

The Dodge Durango survives for 2026, and for muscle-minded SUV fans, that’s worth celebrating. This generation is very old, but it still delivers Dodge’s rowdy attitude.

Now that the base V-6 has been discontinued, the Durango’s street crew increases whether it’s equipped with either naturally aspirated Hemi or available Hellcat supercharged V-8. Despite its size, the Durango is surprisingly composed in corners—a dynamic edge that helped it beat the Ford Explorer in a comparison test back in 2020.

But age has caught up with it. Safety ratings don’t impress, active driver aids are few, and fuel economy is stuck in another era. Interior quality and tech aren’t great, and cargo space trails the class leaders.

There are plenty of newer and better three-row SUVs, but none do it quite like Dodge. For enthusiasts, the 2026 Durango has old-school appeal. The new Jailbreak model could become a personalized time capsule in an all-electric future.

Top-Ranked Competitors:

• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Ford Explorer
• Rivian R1S
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L

MotorTrend Tested

In an era of turbocharged small engines and hybrids, the Durango now offers only V-8 engines for 2026—no more V-6. All three options are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Engine: 5.7-liter V-8

• Drivetrain: RWD or AWD

• Horsepower/Torque: 360 hp/390 lb-ft

• Efficiency (city/highway): 14/22 mpg (RWD/AWD)

• Acceleration (0–60 mph): 6.4 seconds (AWD)

Engine: 6.4-liter V-8

• Drivetrain: AWD

• Horsepower/Torque: 475 hp/470 lb-ft

• Efficiency (city/highway): 13/19 mpg

• Acceleration (0–60 mph): 4.6 seconds

Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V-8

• Drivetrain: AWD

• Horsepower/Torque: 710 hp/645 lb-ft

• Efficiency (city/highway): 12/17 mpg

• Acceleration (0–60 mph): 3.4 seconds

Towing

When properly equipped with the Tow N Go package, the 2026 Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds.

Safety Ratings and Features

Dodge is known for things besides its safety reputation. For the Durango, ancient fundamentals result in lackluster crash safety scores; it’s consistently earned a four-star overall score from NHTSA.

Driver-assist tech is minimal. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, but features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control are optional.

Cargo Space and Interior Room

The Durango is pretty big outside, but its old platform doesn’t allow for great packaging inside. Many rivals have more interior space.

Technology

Infotainment

All versions of the Durango are equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is provided by the dashboard USB ports.

Sound System

A six-speaker audio system is standard, and higher-end Durango models get a nine-speaker premium system from Alpine.

Available Upgrades

Tech options for the Durango include a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and rear-seat entertainment screens.

Value

Standard Features

In entry-level GT trim, the Durango starts at about $44,000 and includes the 5.7-liter V-8. It has 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, painted door handles, and LED headlights and taillights. Inside, it has cloth upholstery, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and three-zone climate control.

Recommended Trim

Get the Hellcat. This is the most fun-to-drive Durango by far, and that supercharged V-8 is basically the SUV’s entire reason for existence. If that performance or the sound of a V-8 isn’t why you want the Durango, look elsewhere—whatever attribute you want for, a rival does it better. You’ll pay at least $87,000 for a new 2026 Durango Hellcat.

What Is the Durango R/T Blacktop Redline Package?

This visual package was previously offered only on the GT model, but is now available on the Durango R/T for 2026. The Blacktop Redline package adds black-painted 20-inch wheels, black exterior badging, and SRT front and rear spoilers. Vehicles additionally equipped with the Tow N Go package get wider forged 20-inch wheels and black-painted exhaust tips.

Inside, the Durango R/T Redline Blacktop has SRT front seats, red upholstery accent stitching, extended leather, and unique trim details. The package adds about $3,500 to the MSRP.