Banned No More: 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Outsmarts California and Is Now 50-State Legal

2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Outsmarts California and Is Now 50-State Legal

2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat enthusiasts in all 50 states can finally celebrate. The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is on track to achieve California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification by December 2025, a move that makes the 710-horsepower, supercharged V8 SUV 50-state legal for the first time since its reintroduction. This significant regulatory win allows Dodge to sell its high-performance, three-row SUV in California, New York, and other CARB-compliant states, bringing the Hellcat’s power to every corner of the U.S.

A Full V8 Lineup Returns for 2026

The certification of the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat coincides with Dodge’s aggressive pivot back to V8 power for its retail customers.

• V8-Only Strategy: For the 2026 model year, every Dodge Durango model sold to retail buyers in the U.S. will feature a HEMI V8 engine. The Pentastar V6 will be relegated to fleet and government orders only.
• New Entry Point: The new GT HEMI AWD introduces a 5.7-liter V8 as the most affordable all-wheel-drive V8 in the U.S., starting at $42,495 (before fees).
• Mid-Range Muscle: The Durango R/T 392 steps up to a 6.4-liter HEMI, producing 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
• The Flagship: The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat returns as the top-tier model, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 710 horsepower, starting at $79,995.

Overcoming CARB Restrictions

Previously, Dodge’s most powerful Durango models were restricted from a significant portion of the U.S. market.

• Past Restrictions: Earlier order guides listed the Durango R/T 392 and Durango SRT Hellcat as “FED states only,” banning sales in CARB-regulated regions like California and Massachusetts.
• Certification Achieved: Fresh dealer communications confirm that CARB certification is in its final phase, setting the stage for nationwide availability across all three V8 models. This is a major victory for Dodge’s engineering team, adapting the supercharged V8 to meet stricter emissions standards.

Final Thoughts: Displacement Over Digital

As the auto industry pivots toward electrification, Dodge’s move to certify the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat for all 50 states is a powerful statement. It highlights the brand’s unwavering commitment to traditional muscle and large-displacement engines. This move ensures that one of the last supercharged HEMI-powered SUVs remains accessible to enthusiasts from coast to coast, reinforcing the brand’s core identity.

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