- Now that the federal government doesn’t enforce its fuel-economy regulations, the Hemi V8 engine is roaring back
- Two variants won’t be sold in the 17 states that follow their own, stricter fuel economy regime
Dodge has brought back its famous Hemi V8 engine for 2026. However, the most powerful versions of it in the Dodge Durango SUV will be offered in only 33 states.
The Hemi was on the verge of disappearing in recent years. Parent company Stellantis had nearly wound down production of the engine and removed it from most products by the 2024 model year. Thirsty V8 engines were getting harder for automakers to justify as fuel economy regulations grew more stringent and the auto industry gradually went electric.
Then, a new presidential administration took office. The first eight months of the Trump administration have been a roller coaster ride for the automotive industry, with tariffs pushing up prices and the $7,500 EV tax credit ending at the end of this month.
But perhaps its most significant move has been ending enforcement of all fuel economy regulations. Automakers once paid hefty fines for missing fuel economy targets. But the White House has now stopped enforcing those rules, though they technically remain law.
With no penalty for building less-efficient engines, Stellantis brought the Hemi back.
Every 2026 Dodge Durango will have one. Two versions, the Durango R/T 392 and Durango Hellcat, will carry more potent V8 powertrains. Those, however, will be limited to 33 states.
Dodge tells The Drive that those two models will not be sold in 17 states that follow strict fuel economy rules created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A spokesperson says, “The Dodge Durango R/T 392 and Durango SRT Hellcat are available in non-CARB states. As we prepare to begin production of the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak later in Q4 and open for orders of the Durango R/T 392 by the end of the year, we continue to work with CARB on opportunities to sell these two powertrains in all states alongside the 5.7-liter Durango GT.”
As of 2025, CARB rules no longer allow California residents to buy non-compliant new cars out of state. To be registered in California, a vehicle must be CARB-compliant or sold as used with at least 7,500 miles on its odometer.
