The V8-only Dodge Durango is too thirsty to be sold in every US state
With the departure of the Dodge Challenger and Charger, there’s a limited number of means to get your hands on a big, shouty HEMI V8 in 2026. One such way is to opt for the hulking Dodge Durango, a V8-only affair for 2026. However, just because the Durango refuses to give up its more potent eight-cylinder options doesn’t mean you can get every model in every state.
In fact, more muscle-bound Durango trims are completely inaccessible in 17 states due to CARB regulations. And rather than footing the bill to get the R/T and SRT models to comply, Dodge simply won’t sell them in states like California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Only the 2026 Dodge Durango GT will be available in every US state
For 2026, the Dodge Durango ditches its 3.6L V6 option in favor of a V8-only lineup, starting with the GT model. Instead of the V6, the GT gets the previous R/T’s 5.7L HEMI V8, raising base model power output to 360 horsepower. And for residents of 17 states, that’s as potent as things get.
The Durango R/T packs a naturally aspirated 6.4L HEMI V8 for 2026, producing 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the engine offerings, the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat produces a stratospheric 710 horsepower. But neither option will be immediately available to California Air Resources Board-participating states.
“The Dodge Durango R/T 392 and Durango SRT Hellcat are available in non-CARB states,” a Stellantis spokesperson told The Drive.
“As we prepare to begin production of the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak later in Q4 and open for orders of the Durango R/T 392 by the end of the year, we continue to work with CARB on opportunities to sell these two powertrains in all states alongside the 5.7-liter Durango GT,” the spokesperson added.
So, in the short term, CARB-state Mopar fans with their eyes on a brand new Durango R/T or SRT Hellcat will have to wait. Here’s a list of the states where the Durango GT will be the only option for the near future:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine,
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
