The Dodge Durango has always stood out in the three-row SUV segment for its brutish design and high-horsepower engines, and now one of the most appealing models in the lineup has gone on sale. You can finally order the new Durango R/T 392 in all 50 states, which is available in Launch Edition or Launch Edition Premium variations. The highlight is the iconic 392-cubic-inch Hemi V8, which is standard on the Durango R/T for the first time. At just under $50,000, no other gas-powered three-row SUV comes close in terms of sheer grunt.
Hemi V8 Dominates
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The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get this family-friendly vehicle from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It has an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of only 12.9 seconds. Compared to the 2025 Durango R/T, this 2026 model is 32% more powerful and 21% more torquey.
To complement its incredible power, the R/T 392 Launch Edition adds equipment like an adaptive damping high-performance suspension, Brembo brakes with red calipers, an electronic limited-slip rear axle, and a high-performance exhaust to amplify the legendary exhaust note. Power is routed to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic. It’s not only fast (the top speed is 160 mph), but it’s capable, too—this Dodge SUV can tow up to 8,700 lbs, a 20% improvement over the 2025 R/T.
“The new Durango R/T 392 Launch Edition instantly sets the value‑performance benchmark for three‑row SUVs,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “As the only muscle SUV of its kind — with a heart‑pounding 4.4‑second 0-60 and an NHRA-certified 12.9‑second quarter-mile — the Durango R/T 392 brings authentic Dodge muscle to more drivers than ever.”
Related: HEMI Is Back in a Big Way: Stellantis Targets 100,000+ V8 Engines for 2026
Durango R/T Pricing and Features
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The 2026 Dodge Durango R/T 392 Launch Edition starts at just $49,995, which is terrific value considering the performance on tap. In fact, Dodge says no other rival offers as much power under $50k. Buyers seeking more comfort and features can opt for the Launch Edition Premium derivative, which starts at $57,595.
The standard version already has Nappa leather and suede seats with heating/ventilation, along with second-row heated seats. The Premium adds a host of desirable extras, though, including:
- 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Leather-wrapped instrument panel and door trim
- Carbon-fiber interior accents
- Sunroof
- Suede headliner
- Trailer Tow Package
- Full ADAS suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning
To put the Durango R/T 392’s value proposition into perspective, let’s look at the Ford Explorer—the most popular three-row SUV in America in 2025. At under $50,000, the most power you’ll get from the Ford is 300 hp/311 lb-ft from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. That’s in the Explorer Tremor, which starts at $48,965. If you want this model with Ford’s 400-hp EcoBoost V6, the price goes up by a massive $11,850. Even then, it won’t match the power of the Durango R/T.
Final Thoughts
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Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said earlier this month that the brand would be doubling down on its goal to be America’s leading performance brand. Despite the Durango being the company’s most practical model by far, it also needs to exhibit this performance focus, and that’s where new releases like the Durango R/T 392 come in. Dodge has also played around with the Durango’s powertrain offerings a few times over the last year in response to customer demand—at some point, every single Durango had a V8. The strategy is working, as the Durango had its best annual sales in 20 years last year. The new R/T 392 will add to that—and it may just be the pick of the lineup right now.
