The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is poised for a significant market expansion, having successfully navigated emissions regulations to secure nationwide availability. This powerful SUV, featuring a 710-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, will soon be accessible to customers across all 50 states, including those with stringent emissions standards. This development marks a victory for Dodge in its commitment to high-performance internal combustion engines, even as the automotive industry increasingly shifts towards electric and hybrid powertrains. The entire 2026 Durango lineup for retail buyers will exclusively offer HEMI V8 engines, reinforcing the brand's dedication to robust performance. This strategic move ensures that enthusiasts nationwide can experience the thrill of a supercharged HEMI-powered vehicle, maintaining Dodge's legacy in the muscle car segment.
Unleashing Power: Dodge's V8 Legacy Conquers All States
Dodge's High-Performance SUV Achieves Regulatory Compliance
The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is on the verge of obtaining full 50-state certification, effectively removing the previous sales limitations imposed by various emissions regulations. According to internal documents shared with dealerships, Dodge anticipates receiving approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) by December 2025. This crucial clearance will enable the Durango SRT Hellcat, alongside the customizable Hellcat Jailbreak variant, to be sold for the first time in states like California and New York, which adhere to CARB standards.
The 2026 Durango Lineup: Exclusively V8 Powerhouses
Dodge has confirmed that all 2026 Durango models intended for retail customers in the U.S. will be equipped with HEMI V8 engines. While the Pentastar V6 engine will still be utilized for fleet and government procurements, the introduction of the new GT HEMI AWD variant makes a 5.7-liter V8 the most economically accessible all-wheel-drive V8 option in the country, with a starting price of $42,495 before additional charges. Further up the model hierarchy, the Durango R/T 392 will feature a 6.4-liter HEMI engine, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Tow Nā Go package now included as standard. The top-tier Durango SRT Hellcat will boast a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, churning out an impressive 710 horsepower, and will carry a base price of $79,995, solidifying its position as one of the most potent three-row SUVs available.
Navigating and Overcoming Emissions Hurdles
Previously, order specifications had restricted both the Durango R/T 392 and Durango SRT Hellcat to "FED states only," barring their sale in regions governed by CARB regulations, including states such as California, Massachusetts, and Washington. At that time, a Dodge representative affirmed the company's commitment to finding solutions for bringing the complete V8 lineup to these markets. Recent communications with dealerships suggest that the CARB certification process is nearing completion, paving the way for the nationwide distribution of all three V8-powered Durango models. Should this be finalized, it will mark the first instance since the Durango Hellcat's reintroduction that consumers in every state can acquire one through their authorized Dodge dealer.
Embracing Performance in an Evolving Automotive Landscape
In an era where a significant portion of the automotive industry is transitioning towards hybrid and electric propulsion systems, Dodge's persistent efforts to gain 50-state approval for its supercharged SUV underscore the brand's enduring dedication to conventional high-performance vehicles. The successful certification of the Durango SRT Hellcat sends a clear message that powerful, large-displacement engines continue to have a place within the increasingly strict regulatory environment. With the Charger Daytona spearheading Dodge's foray into electrified performance, the 2026 Durango range serves as a testament to the brand's foundational principles. Achieving full legal availability across the nation for its most robust SUV ensures that one of the last supercharged HEMI-powered models remains accessible to enthusiasts from coast to coast.
