Dodge is about to fill a big gap in its Durango lineup. The 2026 Dodge Durango R/T 392 is opening for orders later this month, and it’s packing a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that churns out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That’s the most power you can get in any SUV for under $50,000, and it slots perfectly between the everyday GT and the supercharged Hellcat at the top of the range.
- The 2026 Durango R/T 392 features a 6.4-liter V8 with 475 horsepower and an 8,700-pound towing capacity.
- It starts at $49,995, making it the most powerful Durango available under $50,000.
- The announcement comes as the Durango just posted its best sales year in two decades.
A Serious Engine Upgrade for the R/T Badge
The biggest change here is what’s sitting under the hood. Dodge has swapped out the old 5.7-liter HEMI for a 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) V8, bumping output to 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. If those numbers sound familiar, that’s because it’s the same engine found in the old SRT 392 and Charger Scat Pack. Now it comes standard on the R/T trim for the first time.
This move gives the R/T a 115-horsepower increase over the previous 5.7-liter HEMI-powered R/T. Dodge claims a 32% jump in horsepower and 21% more torque, which should translate to punchier acceleration, a stronger mid-range, and a throttle that feels more alive. That’s not a small bump. It’s the kind of upgrade that changes the entire character of the SUV.
Still a Family Hauler at Heart
Even with all that extra muscle, the Durango R/T 392 is still a family hauler. You still get three rows of seats for up to seven passengers, plus the kind of towing numbers that have made the Durango a go-to for buyers who need real utility. The towing capacity tops out at 8,700 pounds, which puts it right at the top of its class among three-row midsize SUVs.
Inside, you’ve got over 50 ways to configure the seating, up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear rows folded, and a 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Blind-spot monitoring and seven standard airbags round out the safety side of things. It’s a lot of room and a lot of tech for a vehicle that also happens to have a massive V8 up front.
That combination of real V8 power and practical family space is something you won’t find anywhere else in this price range. The Durango R/T 392 sits in its own category, whether you’re hauling a boat to the lake or getting the kids to soccer practice.
Pricing and Ordering Details
Early dealer info points to a starting price of $49,995 before destination, putting a 475-horsepower V8 within reach for many more buyers. Destination fees add $1,995, so the drive-off price will cross the $50,000 mark. But based on MSRP alone, this is Dodge’s most powerful Durango under $50,000, which is pretty wild for a three-row SUV with this much muscle.
According to Kevin Hillman, Senior Vice President of Dodge Product, orders for the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T 392 will officially open later this month. Hillman explained that the opening of R/T 392 orders will round out the full 2026 Durango lineup.
For context on the rest of the lineup, the Durango GT starts at a U.S. MSRP of $42,495 and becomes the most affordable AWD V8 vehicle in the industry, while the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat starts at a U.S. MSRP of $79,995. The R/T 392 fills the gap between those two perfectly.
One Caveat Worth Knowing
Both the Durango R/T 392 and the Durango SRT Hellcat were initially listed as “FED states only” in dealer order guides, meaning they weren’t available in California and other states following stricter CARB emissions regulations. That’s a big deal, since CARB states account for a sizable chunk of the new car market.
Recent reports indicate the 2026 R/T 392 will now be available in all 50 states. Once it hits showrooms, the Durango R/T 392 will be the most powerful Durango you can get for under $50,000.
Is the Durango R/T 392 the Best Performance SUV Value Right Now?
You really can’t find another three-row SUV that pairs 475 horsepower with a sub-$50,000 starting price. 2025 marked the best sales year for the Dodge Durango in two decades, and the R/T 392 could push those numbers even higher. Buyers who want V8 power, legitimate towing capability, and room for the whole family now have a new answer.
For a model that some thought was winding down, the Durango keeps finding new ways to stay in the game. The R/T 392 is proof Dodge isn’t done with its muscle SUV just yet. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to grab a HEMI-powered three-row SUV at a reasonable price, this is probably it.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
