The 2026 Dodge Durango lineup ranges from V6-powered family transportation to high-performance V8 trims. The main differences are the engine, available or standard all-wheel drive, towing equipment, performance hardware, and the level of comfort and technology equipment.
For most buyers, the key choice is between the V6 trims, the available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 configurations, the 6.4-liter R/T 392, and the 6.2-liter SRT Hellcat. Exact equipment and drivetrain availability can vary by configuration, package, and market, so verify the final build with Dodge before purchasing.
At a glance
| Durango version | Engine or powertrain distinction | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| GT | V6-based entry point; rear-wheel drive is identified as standard, with all-wheel drive available | Buyers seeking the core Durango package with flexibility in drivetrain choice |
| GT Plus | V6 availability; all-wheel drive is identified as standard | Buyers who want more equipment and standard AWD |
| GT Premium | Positioned above the lower GT versions; AWD and upgraded equipment are part of the comparison, subject to configuration confirmation | Buyers prioritizing additional comfort and convenience features |
| GT HEMI V8 models | Available 5.7-liter HEMI V8; Tow ’n Go can raise towing capability | Buyers who need more towing capacity or V8 power without moving to the highest-performance trims |
| R/T 392 | 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 475 horsepower | Buyers seeking substantially stronger performance in a three-row SUV |
| SRT Hellcat | 6.2-liter HEMI V8; listed with up to 8,700 pounds of towing capability | Buyers prioritizing maximum performance and the highest towing figure in the supported comparison |
This table is a decision-oriented summary rather than a complete factory order guide. The available evidence does not provide a full trim-by-trim equipment, pricing, or RWD/AWD specification table.
GT: the starting point for the lineup
The GT is the most straightforward entry into the Durango range. The supported trim information identifies the GT as V6-based, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. That makes it the trim to consider if you want the Durango’s basic three-row format but do not necessarily need a V8.
The GT is also the reference point for understanding the rest of the range: higher trims add equipment, alter drivetrain availability, or move to stronger engines. If your priorities are family space and everyday utility rather than maximum towing or acceleration, the GT deserves consideration before paying for a more powerful configuration.
GT Plus: more equipment and standard AWD
The GT Plus builds on the GT concept with additional equipment and standard all-wheel drive as identified in the supplied trim comparison. It remains associated with V6 availability rather than being defined primarily by a V8 engine.
This makes the GT Plus a logical choice for buyers who want a better-equipped Durango and do not want to treat AWD as an option decision. Because the source material does not provide a complete factory equipment list, confirm which comfort, driver-assistance, and technology features are standard on the specific vehicle.
GT Premium: an equipment-focused step upward
The GT Premium is presented as a higher-equipment version of the GT range, with AWD and additional premium-oriented content identified in the supplied comparison. It is best understood as an equipment and convenience choice rather than the performance flagship.
The available evidence does not establish a complete, authoritative list of every GT Premium feature or every engine and drivetrain combination. Treat the trim description as a useful orientation, then check the official build and specifications information for the exact model-year configuration.
GT HEMI V8 models: the towing-focused middle ground
The GT HEMI V8 versions are the important step for buyers who need more capability than the V6 trims provide but do not want a high-performance SRT model. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is associated with these configurations, and Dodge identifies GT HEMI V8 models equipped with the Tow ’n Go package as capable of up to 8,700 pounds of towing.
Dealer-reported technical information in the evidence set gives the following towing distinctions:
- V6 configurations: approximately 6,200 pounds.
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8 without Tow ’n Go: approximately 7,200 pounds.
- GT HEMI V8 configurations with Tow ’n Go: up to 8,700 pounds.
These figures are configuration-dependent. Hitch equipment, trailer-brake-controller provisions, trailer-detection equipment, engine choice, and the Tow ’n Go package can affect the result. Do not use the trim name alone to determine the tow rating for a particular Durango.
R/T 392: 6.4-liter V8 performance
The R/T 392 occupies a different part of the lineup from the V6 and 5.7-liter V8 versions. Dodge identifies it with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 475 horsepower.
This is the trim to consider when acceleration and V8 performance matter more than minimizing powertrain cost or choosing the simplest family-oriented configuration. It still offers the Durango’s three-row SUV format, but the 392 designation signals a performance-oriented model rather than merely an equipment upgrade.
SRT Hellcat: maximum performance and high towing capability
The SRT Hellcat is the range’s most extreme performance option in this comparison. It uses a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 and is identified with a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.
That towing figure should not be interpreted as a universal rating for every Hellcat, trailer, or hitch setup. It is a stated maximum tied to the applicable vehicle configuration and towing requirements. Confirm the rating, required equipment, and trailer limits for the exact vehicle before relying on it for a purchase or towing plan.
How the Durango trims differ for towing
Towing is one of the clearest reasons to move beyond a V6 Durango. The supported comparison identifies a progression from roughly 6,200 pounds for V6 configurations to roughly 7,200 pounds for a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 without Tow ’n Go, with up to 8,700 pounds available on qualifying Tow ’n Go and higher-performance V8 configurations.
The practical takeaway is:
- Choose a V6 if your towing needs are moderate and everyday family use is the priority.
- Consider the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 if you need a stronger towing-oriented powertrain.
- Verify Tow ’n Go equipment if you are targeting the 8,700-pound figure.
- Do not assume every trim or drivetrain combination has the same rating. Package and configuration details matter.
Dodge’s official overview supports the availability of up to 8,700 pounds on GT HEMI V8 models with Tow ’n Go and on SRT Hellcat models. The dealer-authored towing breakdown adds useful engine-specific context, but the official vehicle documentation should control if figures or applicability differ.
Which Durango trim should you choose?
Choose the GT if you want the basic Durango formula
The GT is the natural starting point for buyers who want a three-row Durango with V6 power and the ability to choose AWD. It is the simplest match for buyers who do not need V8 performance or maximum towing capability.
Choose the GT Plus if standard AWD and added equipment matter
The GT Plus makes more sense if you want a higher equipment level and standard AWD rather than treating AWD as an available choice. Confirm the exact feature content on the vehicle being considered.
Choose the GT Premium for a more convenience-oriented configuration
The GT Premium is aimed at buyers who want a more upscale equipment mix while remaining below the performance-focused V8 trims. Because the supplied evidence does not include a complete official equipment table, compare the actual window sticker and build information carefully.
Choose a GT HEMI V8 model for stronger towing value
A GT HEMI V8 model is the middle-ground choice for buyers who need more towing capability and V8 torque but do not need the R/T 392 or SRT Hellcat’s performance focus. If towing is the reason for upgrading, verify whether the vehicle includes Tow ’n Go and whether the advertised rating applies to that exact configuration.
Choose the R/T 392 for 475-horsepower V8 performance
The R/T 392 is the choice for buyers who specifically want the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and its stated 475 horsepower. It is a performance decision, not simply a luxury-equipment upgrade.
Choose the SRT Hellcat for the most extreme powertrain
The SRT Hellcat is for buyers who prioritize maximum performance and want the 6.2-liter HEMI V8. Its stated up-to-8,700-pound towing capability is significant, but the vehicle’s exact towing setup and limits still need to be verified independently.
What to verify before buying
The available sources are sufficient for a preliminary 2026 trim comparison, but they do not provide a complete factory order guide. Before choosing a Durango, verify:
- The exact model year and trim shown on the vehicle documentation.
- Whether the vehicle is rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
- Which engine is installed, rather than relying only on the trim name.
- Whether Tow ’n Go and the required towing equipment are included.
- The exact maximum tow rating for the vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, hitch, and package combination.
- Which safety, convenience, seating, and technology features are standard versus optional.
- Current pricing, since the supplied comparison sources do not establish pricing.
- Regional or market-specific availability of the advertised configuration.
Dodge’s official 2026 Durango material should be the final reference for current product information. Dealer guides can help explain practical differences, but they may simplify package and configuration boundaries and should not override the manufacturer’s specifications.
Bottom line
The 2026 Dodge Durango trim comparison is primarily a choice among family-oriented V6 models, towing-focused 5.7-liter HEMI V8 configurations, and high-performance V8 trims. The GT and GT Plus cover the core V6 choices, with the GT offering AWD availability and the GT Plus identified with standard AWD. GT Premium adds a more equipment-focused option. GT HEMI V8 models are the practical step up for towing, especially with Tow ’n Go. The R/T 392 adds a 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, while the SRT Hellcat delivers the most extreme performance with a 6.2-liter HEMI V8.
Because engine, drivetrain, package, towing, and regional availability can change the result, use the trim comparison to narrow your choice, then confirm the exact vehicle through Dodge’s current specifications and build information.
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