Dodge Introduced 2026 Durango GT Hemi AWD
The new SUV model offers a lower entry price for consumers seeking a V8-powered three-row vehicle.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Car Types
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Dodge has expanded its 2026 Durango lineup by introducing a GT AWD Hemi trim. This new offering provides a more accessible entry point for buyers looking for the power of a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine in a three-row SUV.
Why it matters
By adding the Hemi V8 to the GT trim level, Dodge has significantly lowered the cost of entry for a brand-new V8-powered SUV. This strategy provides consumers with a high-performance alternative to V6-powered competitors in the mid-size segment.
The 2026 Durango GT AWD Hemi starts at $43,675, with a total price of $45,670 including destination charges. The 5.7-liter engine produces 360 horsepower and allows for an 8,700-pound towing capacity when paired with the Tow N Go package.
The players
Dodge
Dodge is an American brand of automobiles manufactured by Stellantis North America.
Ford
Ford is a major American multinational automobile manufacturer that produces the competing Explorer line.
The details
The new GT Hemi AWD trim bridges the gap between base models and the more expensive R/T version, saving buyers $6,300. This configuration puts the Durango in direct competition with the Ford Explorer ST-Line and the V6-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
Timeline
Dodge introduced the GT Hemi range for the 2026 model year.
Roadmap
The inclusion of a V8 engine in a lower trim tier signals a strategy to maintain the appeal of traditional high-displacement power in a market shifting toward smaller, turbocharged engines. This positions the Durango as a unique, powerful option against rival brands focusing on V6 or four-cylinder forced-induction units.
Buyers can save $6,300 compared to the R/T variant while retaining significant towing capabilities. This price adjustment makes a V8-powered three-row SUV a more viable option for shoppers who previously found the R/T trim to be outside their budget.
The takeaway
The move suggests that manufacturers continue to find value in offering traditional V8 performance to maintain brand loyalty. Consumers should consider how this new entry-level V8 option affects the resale value of existing higher-trim models.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Car Types market.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CarBuzz.
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