2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat Brief Review: Boldly American
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What was intended to be a one-year special has surprisingly persisted. I never imagined that I would be driving a new Hellcat-powered WK2-based Durango in 2026, yet here we are, and it remains exactly as you remember it.
The 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat stands out as the sole three-row, supercharged V8 crossover SUV that comes with a factory warranty. It’s loud, fast, quick, comfortable, thirsty, and just like it has always been.
Joel Feder
The Essentials
Dodge has transformed its three-row family vehicle into a V8-only model, embracing an Americana muscle identity. The V8 guarantees that the WK2-based Durango, now 15 years old, stays relevant. The Hellcat variants have become a remarkable success. Now you can "Jailbreak" it, unlocking a shocking array of build options, starting with four seatbelt colors alone. This doesn’t include the six wheel choices, four brake caliper colors, six paint options, six badge colors, five dual-stripe designs, a gloss black hood choice, five interior colors, and three seating configurations.
The Durango's appearance hasn’t changed much. We are now on our third facelift, with a fourth on the way. I've seen it but wasn’t permitted to take pictures. The current model? It’s sleek. The curved fenders conceal the wide wheels on the Hellcat variant. The hood features scalloped vents designed to release heat and allow cool air to flow into the supercharged V8. Large dual exhaust tips suggest this vehicle will be loud. Personally, I appreciate that the wheels are just 20 inches and barely clear the massive brakes. It may not be flashy, but it looks the part.
Joel Feder
Inside, the Durango remains surprisingly modern and competitive thanks to its updates. The 7-inch digital gauge cluster is complemented by a 10.1-inch touchscreen that includes various SRT-specific displays, from digital gauges for different powertrain systems to launch control settings and more. Additionally, the climate control screen features a driver wearing a racing helmet, because of course, Hellcat. Traditionalists will appreciate that the system is supplemented with buttons and knobs for complete climate control as well as a volume knob.
Joel Feder
In all my years with the WK2-based Durango, I experienced a first with the five-passenger seating in the test vehicle. There was no third row, instead featuring two under-floor compartments that reveal a substantial amount of hidden storage.
Joel Feder
Driving the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat
You may have heard this before. The 2026 Dodge Durango is equipped with a legendary supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. A ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission distributes power to all four wheels. Dodge claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds, and a top speed of an impressive 180 mph.
This vehicle is beastly. It’s extremely loud, especially during cold starts or full throttle. Depending on speed and RPMs, it can drone on the highway, and you'll consistently hear the supercharger whine under load.
Joel Feder
The aging WK2 chassis still impresses and outshines many newer platforms in terms of packaging and driving experience. The semi-adaptive dampers are set to a firm configuration but remain comfortable even on rough Midwest roads. This makes it quite livable as a daily driver.
That said, it's tough to overlook the EPA fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg in the city, 17 on the highway, and 13 combined. This is for premium fuel as well. Over a mixed suburban driving distance of 307 miles, the onboard trip computer recorded an average of 13.7 mpg for the Durango Hellcat.
Joel Feder
Quick Verdict
At a price of $81,990, which includes a $1,995 destination fee, the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat is not inexpensive. With the Jailbreak options tested, including the stripes, red badging, red seatbelts, and the Premium Group that adds features like a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with an 825-watt amplifier, the total came to $88,160.
Interestingly, a Rivian R1S dual-motor with the Performance Upgrade offers nearly the same 0-60 mph time and comparable power (less horsepower, more torque) for a similar price. However, that's with the Large battery, not the Max battery, and it has a 329-mile EPA range estimate.
Continuing well beyond its intended lifespan, and seemingly on its ninth life, the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat may
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2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat Brief Review: Unreservedly American
Constructed in Detroit with the maximum horsepower that Dodge can provide, the three-row Durango Hellcat SUV is currently entering its ninth iteration.
2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat Brief Review: Boldly American
Constructed in Detroit and equipped with all the power that Dodge can provide, the three-row Durango Hellcat SUV is currently in its ninth iteration.