Dodge Durango RT : Emissions Barrier Lifted, R/T and SRT Hellcat Now Available Coast to Coast
Dodge Durango RT 2026 : Dodge has officially cleared the air for performance SUV fans across the U.S. The automaker has confirmed that all 2026 Dodge Durango variants—including the V-8-powered R/T and SRT Hellcat—can now be sold in every one of the 50 states, reversing its earlier stance tied to emissions compliance.
Initially, Dodge had indicated that stricter California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations would restrict sales of its most powerful Durango models in 17 states. That limitation, however, is no longer in place.
Dodge Durango RT : From Limited Availability to Full Nationwide Sales
Earlier reports suggested that the Durango R/T 392 and Durango SRT Hellcat would be excluded from CARB-regulated states due to emissions concerns. Those states included major markets such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington.
As of December 22, 2025, Dodge announced that it has worked through the regulatory challenges, allowing customers in CARB states to once again order these high-performance SUVs without restrictions.
Dodge Durango RT : V-8 Power Takes Center Stage for 2026
For the 2026 model year, Dodge has doubled down on its V-8 heritage, reshaping the entire Durango lineup:
- Durango GT
- 5.7-liter Hemi V-8
- 360 horsepower
- Replaces the outgoing V-6 and is sold nationwide
- Durango R/T 392
- 6.4-liter Hemi V-8
- Naturally aspirated performance upgrade
- Durango SRT Hellcat
- Supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8
- Flagship model with extreme output
The move eliminates six-cylinder power entirely, making the Durango one of the few SUVs still fully committed to V-8 engines.
Why the Decision Changed
Previously, the 6.4-liter and 6.2-liter Hemi engines did not fully align with CARB emissions standards, which would have required costly reengineering. While Dodge originally leaned toward limiting sales rather than modifying the engines, continued discussions with regulators opened the door to broader availability.
According to Dodge, collaboration with CARB made it possible to expand sales while continuing production plans for the Hellcat Jailbreak and R/T 392 models.
Ordering, Pricing, and Arrival Timeline
- Durango GT
- Starting price: $44,490 (about $4,000 more than 2025)
- Orders open now
- Durango R/T 392
- Price: $51,990 (unchanged from last year)
- Orders open later
- Durango SRT Hellcat
- Price: $81,990
- Notably $5,000 cheaper than the 2025 model
The Durango GT and SRT Hellcat are expected to arrive at dealerships in Q4 2025, with the R/T following shortly after.
Big Win for Performance SUV Buyers
With emissions concerns resolved, Dodge customers nationwide can once again access the full Durango lineup. At a time when many automakers are scaling back large-displacement engines, the 2026 Dodge Durango stands out as a bold commitment to classic American V-8 performance—now available from coast to coast.
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