2026 Dodge Durango

Still in its third generation, which first came out for the 2011 model year, the Dodge Durango is the oldest model in the midsize SUV class. Although it’s showing its age, we can’t help but fall for its charms as a muscle car that’s been stretched out into a 3-row family vehicle. Its macho aesthetic is backed up by two V8 options, which have been a rarity in this segment for some time now. They not only give the Durango brawny performance and a satisfying sound, but also a class-leading max tow rating of up to 8,700 pounds. While its competitors lean into the off-road trend, the Dodge Durango is decidedly an SUV built for on-road performance in the way it looks, sounds, and moves.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize SUVs, including the 2026 Dodge Durango.

So much for the “Last Call” editions of the V8-powered 2025 Durango. The Durango continues to offer the V8-powered R/T trim for 2026, and Dodge says the Hellcat variant will live on, as well. Additionally, a new R/T Blacktop Redline package is available, there are some new wheel options, and the Tow N Go package is back as an individual option after a one-year hiatus. Tow N Go is a towing package that increases the Durango’s maximum towing capacity to 8,700 pounds.

The 2026 Dodge Durango starts at $40,490 for the base GT model with rear-wheel drive (RWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) adds $2,000 to the GT trim’s price. The V8-powered Durango R/T has standard all-wheel drive and starts at $51,990.

Before buying a Durango, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Dodge Durango resale value is about average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

In standard form, the 2026 Dodge Durango is powered by a 293-horsepower V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The performance of the standard V6 is about average for this class. Our testing found acceleration to be more than adequate, even with a full complement of passengers. It’s the engine that makes the most sense for most drivers.

However, maybe you aren’t most drivers. What makes the Dodge Durango unique in its class of family haulers is the availability of multiple V8 engines. Perhaps it’s cliché, but it’s accurate to say that a V8 under the hood gives the Durango the performance of a muscle car with the practicality of a 3-row SUV.

A 360-hp 5.7-liter V8 powers the Durango R/T. In addition to stronger acceleration and a more satisfying exhaust note, this V8 unlocks the Durango’s maximum towing potential of up to 8,700 pounds when equipped with the Tow N Go package. Also, all-wheel drive, a sport suspension system, and performance steering come standard with every R/T model, enhancing this SUV’s performance.

The Dodge Durango’s SRT Hellcat version is the most powerful production SUV that’s not an electric vehicle (EV). Power comes from a stunning 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which gives this 3-row family SUV a zero-to-60 mph time of less than four seconds. It delivers tire-roasting mayhem when you floor the accelerator, but the power is easier to manage than you might expect in daily driving duties.

Fuel Economy

The 2026 Dodge Durango returns up to 20 combined mpg with its standard V6, no matter the number of drive wheels. This is a little below average for a base engine in this class. Meanwhile, the Hemi V8 that powers the R/T model returns up to 17 combined mpg, and the mighty SRT Hellcat only gets 13 mpg. The base V6 uses regular gas, midgrade is recommended for the R/T, and premium is recommended for the Hellcat.

The 2026 Dodge Durango has a spacious and practical 3-row interior. We found the third row suitable for kids. With 33.5 inches of legroom, passenger space in the way back is average for this class. The cargo volume of 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row is a little tight, but we found much more room for groceries and strollers when we folded down the third row, yielding 43.3 cubic feet of room.

Available second-row captain’s chairs make the second row more comfortable and the third row easier to access. The captain’s chairs are standard in the SRT Hellcat model and optional in the lower trims.

In 2026, the Durango’s interior is starting to feel a bit dated compared to more modern rivals, like the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot. However, you can make it feel more refined with options like Nappa leather seating and a Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio system.

The Dodge Durango has a muscular appearance that matches its performance. It has a decidedly more aggressive look than the other minivan alternatives in its class. We kind of appreciate that it’s not following the off-road trend; it’s an SUV tuned for street performance, and it looks like one.

Powerful engines
The Dodge Durango has powerful engines similar to those formerly available in the Dodge Charger and Challenger. These powerplants give the Durango thrilling performance, especially for a 3-row family SUV.

Muscular styling
The Dodge Durango is no sleeper, with macho styling to match its performance. It gets a meaner look as you upgrade to the more powerful V8 engines and has exterior styling options like over-the-top stripes and head-turning paint options.

Uconnect
The Dodge Durango’s Uconnect infotainment system is feature-rich and user-friendly. The standard system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, you can upgrade it with navigation, Amazon Alexa, wireless smartphone connectivity, and multiple options for premium audio systems.

Tow up to 8,700 pounds
When properly equipped, the Dodge Durango boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. That’s towing muscle comparable to more expensive full-size SUVs.

Seating for seven
You won’t be far off if you call the Dodge Durango a 7-seat muscle car. Three-row seating comes standard. Captain’s chairs are standard in the SRT Hellcat and optional in lower trims.

R/T Blacktop Redline package
The new-for-2026 R/T Blacktop Redline package rides on 20-inch black wheels and sports SRT front and rear spoilers, black “Hemi” and “Dodge” badging, red interior stitching, suede SRT performance seats, and laser-etched interior trim.

Depending on your wallet, you can pick from three engines: a V6 and two V8s. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Durango shines in two areas: towing and acceleration. You can tow up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 and up to 8,700 pounds with either V8. The former tow rating is above-average, and the latter is class-leading.

According to Dodge, the SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged V8, can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds. We don’t need to check direct competitors’ stats to argue; none can beat that time.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Dodge covers the Durango with a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is typical coverage for mainstream car brands, as is Durango’s powertrain coverage for five years or 60,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Dodge Durango an overall score of 4 Stars out of its best 5-Star rating. The standard safety technologies in every Durango include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors, but not much else. Other tech can be found in some option packages. Nearly every rival provides more advanced safety technology as standard.