The SUV that refuses to die gains a new R/T 392 variant for 2026, with 32% more power compared to its predecessor
- The 2026 model gains a stronger V8 without raising price.
- Output climbs to 475 hp with a notable torque increase.
- Acceleration improves significantly over the previous R/T.
The Durango is creeping into its 15th year on sale, yet Dodge seems determined to prove it’s far from finished. Enter the 2026 Durango R/T 392 Launch Edition, which swaps in a larger, far more muscular Hemi V8, bringing an extra 115 hp over the outgoing 2025 R/T without nudging the price up a cent.
This new R/T 392 slots between the GT Plus AWD Hemi and the SRT Hellcat, effectively taking over from the now-defunct R/T. The name tells you most of what you need to know. Under the hood sits the 6.4-liter 392 Hemi V8, replacing the outgoing model’s smaller 5.7-liter unit.
How Much Stronger Is It?
Output climbs to 475 hp (354 kW / 482 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque, marking a 32% jump in horsepower and a 21% increase in torque over the old R/T. Dodge is quick to point out that this makes it the most powerful offering in its segment under $50,000, while also claiming best-in-class towing at 8,700 pounds (3,946 kg). Big numbers, and clearly part of the pitch.
More: Remember When Dodge Killed The Durango V6? Yeah, About That
That power is sent to all four wheels through a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic, backed by an electronic limited-slip differential at the rear. The Launch Edition also comes loaded as standard, with adaptive damping, a high-performance suspension setup, Brembo brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, a louder exhaust, and SRT performance Drive Modes.
Thanks to the power boost, the Durango R/T 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 4.4 seconds down from 6.2 seconds in the previous R/T. It runs the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds and tops out at 160 mph (258 km/h). For a large three-row SUV, those are numbers that still feel faintly ridiculous.
What Sets It Apart Visually?
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The 2026 Durango R/T 392 delivers 115 more horsepower at the same $49,995 price point.
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This proves performance SUVs can still offer major upgrades without premium pricing increases.
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The Durango has been on sale for nearly 15 years using the same basic platform.
