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2026 Dodge Durango vs. 2025: What Changed and Which One Is Right for You?

Shopping for a Durango right now means facing a genuinely interesting decision. For the first time in years, Dodge has made changes bold enough that the model year actually matters.

The 2026 Dodge Durango vs. 2025 comparison: The 2026 shifts to V8-standard power, tows up to an estimated 8,700 lbs., and brings a sharper exterior refresh. The 2025 remains highly capable with more engine flexibility and a lower entry price.

Both models deserve a close look before you decide. We've walked buyers from Plattsburgh to Burlington through this exact conversation, and at Huttig CDJR, we stock both. So we know these vehicles from the ground up.

For North Country drivers who haul boats on Lake Champlain, pull snowmobiles into the Adirondacks, or simply need a three-row SUV that can handle a serious winter, the differences between these two model years are worth understanding. Let's get into it.

Key Points: 2026 Dodge Durango vs. 2025

  • The 2026 is a performance-first upgrade. Dropping the V6 as the dominant engine story, the 2026 Durango makes V8 power the new normal — with the R/T trim gaining a 6.4L V8 producing an estimated 475 hp and a Tow N Go towing ceiling of 8,700 lbs. That's a significant leap for drivers who actually use their SUV's capability.
  • The 2025 Durango still delivers serious value. For buyers who want a proven, well-equipped three-row SUV without the 2026 price premium, the 2025 is no consolation prize. Its 5.7L HEMI V8 on the R/T and 710-hp SRT Hellcat remain genuinely impressive, and current inventory often comes with competitive incentives.
  • Your lifestyle should drive the decision. The 2026 is built for drivers ready to invest in more power, a fresher look, and elevated interior refinement. The 2025 is the smart buy for those who prioritize flexibility, value, and a vehicle that already does everything well.

A Durango Built for Up Here

The Dodge Durango has always fit this part of the country well. It's a three-row SUV with real towing muscle, a HEMI under the hood, and enough room for the whole family plus gear. That hasn't changed.

Both the 2025 and 2026 models seat up to seven passengers. Both carry the same proven platform and ride on the same capable AWD system. The standard 3.6L V6 produces 295 hp and tows up to an estimated 6,200 lbs. Step up to the 5.7L HEMI V8, and you're looking at 360 hp and up to an estimated 7,200 lbs. of towing capacity.

The Durango is still the only three-row SUV in its class to offer a V8 engine option. That's not a small thing when you're towing a camper to the Adirondacks or hauling a sled trailer to Tupper Lake.

So what makes the 2026 model worth a closer look? Quite a bit, actually.

What Dodge Changed for 2026

Dodge didn't tinker around the edges for 2026. The updates hit performance, style, and refinement all at once.

The biggest story is the powertrain shift. The 2026 Durango moves toward an all-V8 lineup, making the 5.7L HEMI the standard engine on more trims. More importantly, the R/T trim receives a major upgrade: a new 6.4L V8 producing an estimated 475 hp. That's the same engine that powered the legendary Dodge Charger and Challenger 392 models. For SUV buyers who want serious performance without the SRT Hellcat price tag, the 2026 R/T is genuinely compelling.

At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat carries forward its supercharged 6.2L V8 and 710 hp. New for 2026 is the SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, which opens up over six million configuration options for buyers who want to fully personalize their build.

Towing gets a boost too. With the available Tow N Go package on the R/T, the 2026 Durango can pull an estimated 8,700 lbs. That number matters when you're backing a boat down a Champlain launch ramp or hauling a work trailer up through the Champlain Valley.

On the outside, the 2026 gets a noticeable refresh. Slimmer LED headlights, a more aggressive front grille, revised taillights, and new wheel designs sharpen the look considerably. Two new colors join the palette: B5 Blue and Green Machine. A new Blacktop Redline package adds black 20-inch wheels, black badges, and SRT aerodynamic touches for buyers who want a blacked-out stance.

Inside, the cabin takes a meaningful step up. Upgraded upholstery, carbon fiber accents, improved ambient lighting, and enhanced audio all contribute to a more refined feel. The Uconnect infotainment system carries forward with software refinements and responsive controls. Three-zone automatic climate control and a heated steering wheel are available across key trims.

Safety technology is also broader in 2026, with more advanced driver-assist features available across a wider range of trim levels.

2026 vs. 2025 Durango at a Glance

Feature2025 Durango2026 Durango
Base Engine3.6L V6 (295 hp)3.6L V6 (295 hp) / shifting toward V8
Mid Engine5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp)5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp)
R/T Engine5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp)6.4L V8 (est. 475 hp)
Top Engine6.2L Supercharged V8 (710 hp)6.2L Supercharged V8 (710 hp)
Max Towing (est.)Up to 7,200 lbs.Up to 8,700 lbs. (Tow N Go)
Exterior RefreshCurrent stylingNew grille, LED lights, wheels
New ColorsNoB5 Blue, Green Machine
Interior UpdatesStrong baselineUpgraded materials, carbon fiber accents
Jailbreak ModelNoYes (SRT Hellcat)
Blacktop Redline PackageNoYes

All figures estimated. Towing capacity varies by configuration and equipment.

So, Which Durango Is Right for You?

This is the question that matters most. And the honest answer depends on what you're looking for.

Choose the 2025 Durango if:

  • You want the best value on a proven, fully capable three-row SUV
  • A 5.7L HEMI or V6 engine covers everything you need
  • You're working with a tighter budget and current incentives on 2025 inventory are attractive
  • The existing styling and interior still check every box for you

Choose the 2026 Durango if:

  • You want the R/T's new 6.4L V8 and up to 8,700 lbs. of estimated towing capacity
  • The exterior refresh and new color options matter to you
  • You want the most current interior materials and available technology
  • You're building an SRT Hellcat Jailbreak and want full personalization options

Neither model is a wrong choice. The 2025 is still one of the most capable three-row SUVs on the market. The 2026 model simply raises the ceiling, especially on the performance side.

Test Drive Both the 2025 and 2026 Dodge Durango at Huttig CDJR in Plattsburgh

We carry both model years right here on Route 9, and our team knows these vehicles inside and out. Drivers come to us from Burlington and St. Albans in Vermont, from Malone and Lake Placid, from Saranac Lake, Ticonderoga, and all across the North Country. We're happy to walk you through a side-by-side comparison in person.

Ready to get behind the wheel? Call us at 518-405-6787 or visit us at 4651 Route 9, Plattsburgh, NY. You can also browse our current Durango inventory online, and schedule a test drive at your convenience.

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