2027 Durango vs 2026: End of the Hellcat / R/T 392 Era

The era is ending — what 2027 means for performance Durango buyers

The firm 2027 Dodge Durango order guide was issued on May 8, 2026. It contains three trims: GT RWD, GT AWD, and GT HEMI AWD. The 2026 Durango order guide contains five trims: GT RWD, GT AWD, GT HEMI V8, R/T 392 AWD, and SRT Hellcat AWD. The performance variants — R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat — are gone for 2027.

The 6.4L HEMI 392 V8 engine and the supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat engine are eliminated from the Durango lineup entirely. The only V8 you can order in a 2027 Durango is the 5.7L HEMI, on the GT HEMI AWD trim. The big-displacement and supercharged HEMI engines that made the Durango unique in the family SUV class are no longer available.

This is a real moment for the Durango. The Hellcat Durango was a singular vehicle — a family 3-row SUV with 710 horsepower, capable of running 11-second quarter-miles and doing 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. The R/T 392 was the mid-tier hot rod, fast enough to embarrass most sports cars while still hauling the kids. Both are now part of automotive history rather than current product. If you wanted one, find a 2026 build now — once dealer inventory sells through, the configurations don’t come back.

The Durango SRT Hellcat: the most powerful production SUV ever built

When Dodge launched the Durango SRT Hellcat in 2021, they did something no other manufacturer had done: they put the same supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 from the Hellcat Challenger and Charger into a 3-row family SUV. The result was a vehicle that fundamentally didn’t make sense from an engineering or business perspective — and that’s exactly what made it special.

Think about what that means. A 3-row body-on-frame SUV that can tow 8,700 pounds AND run 11-second quarter-miles. A family vehicle that’s also a legitimate drag-strip weapon. The Hellcat Durango wasn’t just “fast for an SUV” — it was genuinely faster than most sports cars on sale today, while still seating 7 people and pulling a boat to the lake on weekends.

No other manufacturer has matched this. The Cadillac Escalade-V comes closest at 682 horsepower, but it’s a $170,000+ vehicle. The Durango Hellcat delivered more power for less than half the money. For 2027, the 6.2L Hellcat HEMI engine is eliminated from the Durango lineup. If you want this kind of power in a 3-row family SUV, the only path now is finding 2026 Hellcat inventory before it’s gone.

The Durango R/T 392: muscle car attitude in a 3-row SUV

The R/T 392 was the more accessible muscle Durango. The 6.4L HEMI 392 V8 produced 475 horsepower naturally-aspirated — not Hellcat money, but still substantially more powerful than anything else in the family SUV class. The R/T 392 was the “reasonably-priced muscle car SUV” at $49,995, sitting in the lineup between the GT HEMI and the Hellcat as the sweet-spot performance trim.

The R/T 392 had character that the regular Durango trims can’t match. The 6.4L HEMI 392 has a distinct exhaust note — deeper and more authoritative than the 5.7L HEMI, with the kind of rumble at idle that announces a serious performance vehicle. The naturally-aspirated character is different from the supercharged Hellcat’s whine; the 392 sounds like a classic American muscle car cranked up to SUV scale.

For 2027, the 6.4L HEMI 392 engine and the R/T 392 AWD trim are both eliminated. The Tow N Go Package (originally introduced as R/T 392-exclusive content) may carry over in revised form for the 2027 GT HEMI AWD — check current availability when you reserve.

What’s left for 2027: the 5.7L HEMI lives on

The good news for V8 enthusiasts: the 5.7L HEMI V8 carries over to 2027 unchanged. The Durango GT HEMI AWD at $43,675 (same MSRP as 2026) keeps the V8 character alive in the new model year.

The 5.7L HEMI is the same engine that’s been the workhorse V8 in Stellantis vehicles since 2003. It’s the engine that’s powered countless Ram pickups, Challenger and Charger R/T variants, Grand Cherokees, and Durango GT HEMI trims for over two decades. It’s well-understood, reliable, and delivers genuine V8 character at a price point where almost no other SUV in the market offers V8 power. If you want a V8 SUV under $45,000 in 2027, the Durango GT HEMI AWD is essentially the only path.

2026 5-trim lineup vs 2027 3-trim lineup

Here’s the side-by-side year-over-year trim comparison. Pricing is verified from both firm order guides.

2026 Durango lineup:

• Durango GT RWD — $38,995 — 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp / 260 lb-ft)
• Durango GT AWD — $40,995 — 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp / 260 lb-ft)
• Durango GT AWD HEMI V8 — $43,675 — 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp / 390 lb-ft)
• Durango R/T 392 AWD — $49,995 — 6.4L HEMI 392 V8 (475 hp / 470 lb-ft) — DISCONTINUED FOR 2027
• Durango SRT Hellcat AWD — $79,995 — Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 (710 hp / 645 lb-ft) — DISCONTINUED FOR 2027

2027 Durango lineup:

• Durango GT RWD — $38,995 — 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp / 260 lb-ft) — same MSRP, same engine
• Durango GT AWD — $40,995 — 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp / 260 lb-ft) — same MSRP, same engine
• Durango GT HEMI AWD — $43,675 — 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp / 390 lb-ft) — same MSRP, same engine

The lineup compressed from 5 trims to 3. Two performance variants and two performance engines disappeared. The carryover trims are essentially identical — same MSRPs, same engines, same transmission, same body, same standard equipment for the most part. The 2027 Durango is a more streamlined version of the same vehicle, with the high-power variants removed.

Pricing year-over-year — no increases on carryover trims

One of the more unusual aspects of the 2027 Durango: pricing is identical to 2026 on every carryover trim. No MSRP increase year-over-year. In the current vehicle-pricing environment, this is rare.

Carryover trim pricing (2026 → 2027):

• Durango GT RWD: $38,995 → $38,995 (same)
• Durango GT AWD: $40,995 → $40,995 (same)
• Durango GT HEMI AWD: $43,675 → $43,675 (same)

For comparison: most other 2027 Stellantis vehicles received some MSRP increase year-over-year. The Grand Wagoneer, for example, had a uniform $805 increase across every trim. The Durango held the line entirely. Destination charge also unchanged at $1,995.

If you’re reserving a 2027 Durango at any of the three carryover trims, you’re paying exactly what 2026 buyers paid for the same trim. That’s a value play that the GM and Ford competition didn’t match for their 2027 models.

Other 2026 features dropped: 250th Anniversary, Brass Monkey, colors

Beyond the R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat discontinuations, several other 2026 features are eliminated for 2027.

What carries over to 2027: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey Clear Coat, Green Machine, Night Moves, Red Oxide, and White Knuckle Clear Coat. Plus the new Pitch Black for 2027 (which essentially replaces DB Black).

Why these specific trims got cut for 2027

Stellantis has not publicly explained the specific reasoning for the R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat eliminations. Industry context, however, points to several converging factors that pushed these high-displacement HEMI variants out of the 2027 lineup.

The 6.4L HEMI 392 V8 and supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8 engines face increasing regulatory pressure on fuel economy (CAFE) and emissions standards. Stellantis’s broader engine strategy is moving toward the Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 family (now used in the Grand Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler) and away from large-displacement naturally-aspirated and supercharged V8s. The Durango lineup contraction is consistent with that overall direction.

Volume is the other likely factor. R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat trims represented a small fraction of total Durango sales, but required separate engineering certification, production tooling, and dealer training. Discontinuing the low-volume performance variants while preserving the high-volume GT HEMI lets Stellantis simplify Durango production and improve overall margins.

2026 or 2027 — which one should you actually buy?

Honest take: it depends on what matters to you.

If your decision is “I want a Hellcat Durango” or “I want a R/T 392 Durango” — the 2026 is the only answer. There is no 2027 equivalent. Whatever 2026 inventory we have at Jay Malone CDJR is what’s left of these trims forever.

If your decision is between “2026 GT HEMI” vs “2027 GT HEMI” — the 2027 is the better answer. Fresh warranty, latest model year, identical price. You’re getting the same vehicle with a newer build date.

If you’re cross-shopping the Durango against the GM and Ford competition, read our 2027 Durango vs Tahoe / Suburban / Expedition honest comparison — we cover where each vehicle wins.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat being discontinued?

Yes, for 2027. Per the firm Dodge 2027 Durango order guide issued May 8, 2026, the Durango SRT Hellcat AWD is eliminated from the lineup. The supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine that powered the Hellcat Durango is also removed from the Durango engine availability. The only path to a Durango Hellcat now is finding a 2026 build still in dealer inventory. Once 2026 inventory sells through, this configuration doesn’t come back.

Is the Dodge Durango R/T 392 being discontinued?

Yes, for 2027. Per the firm Dodge 2027 Durango order guide, the Durango R/T 392 AWD is eliminated from the lineup. The 6.4L HEMI 392 V8 engine producing 475 horsepower is also removed from the Durango engine availability for 2027. The only V8 option for 2027 is the 5.7L HEMI on the GT HEMI AWD. If you want a Durango R/T 392, find a 2026 build now.

What was the most powerful 2026 Durango?

The 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat AWD, with the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. It was the most powerful production SUV America has ever built, capable of 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and an 11.5-second quarter-mile at over 120 mph. MSRP $79,995. The Hellcat Durango is eliminated for 2027.

Is the 5.7L HEMI V8 still available in the 2027 Durango?

Yes. The 5.7L HEMI V8 with MDS VVT and eTorque is standard on the Durango GT HEMI AWD ($43,675 MSRP). Same engine, same trim, same price as 2026. The 5.7L HEMI carries over unchanged for 2027. It’s the only V8 option in the 2027 Durango lineup.

Did Durango pricing change year-over-year?

No. All three 2027 Durango carryover trims have identical MSRP to their 2026 equivalents: GT RWD at $38,995, GT AWD at $40,995, GT HEMI AWD at $43,675. Destination charge also unchanged at $1,995. This is unusual — most other 2027 Stellantis vehicles received some price increase. The Durango held the line entirely.

What was the America 250th Anniversary Edition Durango?

A limited-run 2026 Durango special edition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary (1776-2026). Included SRT seat with American flag detailing, exclusive accent stitching, anniversary edition decals, and exterior stripes. The trim is eliminated entirely for 2027 (the 250th anniversary year itself was 2026, so the trim is no longer relevant). If you wanted the 250th Anniversary Edition Durango, find a 2026 build now — this trim doesn’t come back.

What colors got dropped for 2027?

Four colors are dropped: DB Black Clear Coat (replaced by Pitch Black), Octane Red Pearl Coat, Triple Nickel, and Vapor Grey. Pitch Black is the new color for 2027. Carryover colors: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey Clear Coat, Green Machine, Night Moves, Red Oxide, and White Knuckle Clear Coat. If you wanted any of the dropped colors, find a 2026 build now.

Why did Dodge cut the Hellcat and R/T 392 Durango?

Stellantis has not publicly explained the specific reasoning. Industry context points to converging factors: tightening fuel economy (CAFE) and emissions regulations on large-displacement V8 engines, Stellantis’s broader powertrain strategy moving toward the Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 family and away from supercharged and large-displacement V8s, and the lower production volumes of R/T 392 and Hellcat variants relative to the high-volume GT trims. The eliminations let Stellantis simplify Durango production while preserving the most popular trims.

Final thoughts from Jordan

The Durango R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat were singular vehicles. There’s nothing else in the family-SUV market that offered what they offered — 475 horsepower of naturally-aspirated V8 muscle in a 3-row family hauler, or 710 horsepower of supercharged V8 madness with seating for seven. They were the vehicles you bought when you wanted to make a statement that family vehicles don’t have to be boring.

For 2027, those statements are no longer available from the factory. If you wanted either trim, the 2026 inventory we have at Jay Malone CDJR is what’s left of these configurations forever. Reach out to me directly and I’ll let you know what we have on the lot or in transit. With 710-hp performance SUVs ending production, these become increasingly collectible vehicles — not just transportation, but historical pieces of Stellantis’s performance era.

For everyone else — if you’re fine with the streamlined 2027 lineup, the Durango GT HEMI AWD keeps the V8 character alive at the same price as 2026, and reservations are open. The 2027 firm order guide has been issued. Allocations are being set. Reserving now puts you ahead of walk-in customers when Dodge opens the order book.

For the complete 2027 Durango breakdown, read the full 2027 Durango guide.