The 2026 Dodge Durango V6 Returns, Dropping Price by $3,700

Little more than three months ago, Dodge was proud to announce that every single version of the Durango three-row SUV would come with a V8 engine. After all the fanfare about V8 power across the entire range, the Pentastar V6 has made a surprising comeback. The 2026 Dodge Durango V6 is officially back in the lineup, with Dodge claiming the decision was necessary to help meet demand for the aging but highly popular SUV.

This reintroduction offers buyers a significant cost advantage, allowing the Durango to compete in a critical lower-price bracket. Orders for the V6 model opened on November 19, 2025.

Here is a breakdown of the new pricing and power options.

Less Power, Lower Price

The V6 isn’t a powerhouse like its Hemi siblings, but it provides a compelling entry point for buyers.

Model	Engine	Horsepower / Torque	Starting MSRP	Price Difference
GT RWD (V6)	3.6L Pentastar V6	295 hp / 260 lb-ft	$38,995	$3,700 Cheaper
GT AWD (V8)	5.7L Hemi V8	360 hp / 390 lb-ft	$42,495	N/A
R/T (V8)	6.4L V8	475 hp / 470 lb-ft	~$49,995	N/A
SRT Hellcat (S/C V8)	6.2L Supercharged V8	710 hp / 645 lb-ft	$79,995	N/A

Note: Prices exclude mandatory $1,995 destination charge.

Why The V6 Is Back

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear framed the V6’s return as a success story: “Dodge Durango is on a tear… The HEMI is hot, and to keep that sales momentum going, we’re re-opening orders for the V-6 Durango GT to help us meet Durango demand while supply of HEMI engines ramps up.”

This statement implies the V6 is a temporary fill-in, although its return has immediate benefits for Dodge:

Lower Barrier to Entry: The V6 allows the Durango GT to start at $38,995 MSRP, making it competitive with the cheapest three-row SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse.
Soaring Sales: The V8-only strategy coincided with a sales surge (Q3 2025 sales increased by 44% over the same quarter in 2024), but V8 supply is limited. The V6 allows Dodge to capitalize on this demand without stressing its V8 production lines.

2026 Dodge Durango lineup — 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak — Source: Stellantis

The Enduring Appeal

The 2026 Dodge Durango V6 ensures that the model, which has been in production for 15 years, remains relevant until its expected replacement arrives in 2029. While the V6 doesn’t carry the muscle-car ethos of the Hemi, it still makes a respectable 295 horsepower, which is highly competitive in the three-row segment.

By optimizing the range for both budget-conscious buyers and performance enthusiasts (who can still opt for the 710 hp Hellcat), Dodge is successfully balancing volume goals with its core “muscle SUV” identity.

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