Dodge has revived its HEMI-powered family SUV, reintroducing V8 muscle to the 2026 Durango line-up with a significantly lower entry price than before.
At the heart of the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T 392 sits the familiar 6.4-litre HEMI V8, delivering 475hp and 470lb ft of torque to all four wheels.
It’s a notable comeback following the end of the SRT 392 in 2024, and while the badge has changed, the performance credentials remain largely intact.
Dodge quotes a 0–60mph time of 4.4 seconds and a 12.9-second quarter mile, although previous independent testing of the same powertrain suggests it could be even quicker in real-world conditions.
What makes this return particularly interesting is positioning. Rather than reinstating the SRT model at a premium, Dodge has integrated the 392 engine into the R/T range, with the Launch Edition starting at $51,990—almost $24,000 less than the outgoing SRT 392.
For UK readers, it’s another example of how American manufacturers continue to double down on large-capacity engines despite tightening emissions regulations elsewhere, even if this particular model remains unlikely to be officially sold here.
The mechanical package goes well beyond straight-line pace. Adaptive dampers, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and substantial Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers give the Durango genuine dynamic intent, while a performance exhaust ensures the V8 makes its presence known.
It’s a three-row SUV that leans heavily into its performance brief, rather than disguising it.
Inside, the Launch Edition balances practicality with a degree of theatre. Nappa leather upholstery with microsuede inserts, heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs underline its family credentials, while additional bolstering hints at the car’s cornering potential.
Stepping up to the Premium version introduces an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, carbon-fibre trim and upgraded brake hardware designed for improved cooling under sustained load.
Orders are now open across the US, with deliveries expected later this year.
While it remains a niche proposition from a UK perspective, the Durango R/T 392 stands as a reminder that, in some corners of the market, naturally aspirated V8 performance is far from finished.
