Dodge Announces 2026 Durango 392 Hemi Launch
Dodge will bring back the 2026 Durango R/T 392 HEMI and plans to start selling it in the first quarter of 2026. The Durango 392, priced at $49,000, positions itself as the sweet spot in the Durango lineup, balancing performance and pricing. This announcement comes as Dodge continues to navigate complex state regulations, especially in the 17 CARB states where the Durango 392 remains banned.
For muscle car and performance car enthusiasts, this news marks a significant update in Dodge’s ongoing efforts to keep V8 power alive. However, the question of whether the Durango RT 392 will be available in all 50 states remains unresolved.
CARB State Ban Still in Effect
Despite the official launch timeline, dealers in CARB states—from California to New York—currently cannot place orders for the Durango R/T 392 HEMI. Dodge has been negotiating with CARB states to expand availability, but as of now, the ban stands. Dealers have indicated that Dodge is working behind the scenes to resolve these restrictions, but Dodge has not announced any concrete progress for the 392 model.
Meanwhile, the Durango Hellcat has seen expanded availability. Stellantis managed to reduce the number of CARB states banning the Hellcat, and the company now plans to sell it in all 50 states starting in December. This progress for the Hellcat raises hopes that the Durango 392 could follow, but no official documentation supports this yet.
Order Timeline and Unanswered Questions
Dodge has stated that the Durango 392 will be available for sale in Q1 2026. This means customers could see ordering open within the next 120 days. However, Stellantis has not clarified whether it will extend availability to CARB states or keep it restricted to federal states only.
All current documentation and dealer communications focus on the Durango Hellcat, leaving the 392’s status in limbo. Enthusiasts and dealers alike are waiting for Dodge and Stellantis to clarify whether they will offer the 392 Hemi nationwide or keep it restricted.
Impact on Other 392 Hemi Vehicles
The uncertainty surrounding the Durango 392 has broader implications for other Stellantis vehicles. Many enthusiasts expect Dodge and Ram to use the 392 HEMI in models like the Charger and Ram 1500. However, if Dodge cannot resolve the CARB state restrictions for the Durango RT 392, it could affect the rollout of the 392 engine in these other vehicles.
Enthusiasts and insiders have discussed putting the 392 HEMI into various Ram trucks, including higher trims and street-truck variants. The situation with the Durango RT 392 may be causing Ram to delay announcements or proceed cautiously with their own 392-powered models.
Alternative Solutions and Dealer Insights
If the 392 Hemi remains blocked in CARB states, Dodge may offer alternatives. Dealers have reported that a 5.7-liter Hemi supercharger kit will soon be available through the Direct Connection store. This could provide a workaround for customers in restricted states, allowing them to boost the 5.7 Hemi’s output to between 600 and 650 horsepower.
This solution would let Dodge continue offering high-performance options even if Dodge cannot sell the 392 HEMI in every market. However, Dodge has not yet confirmed the final horsepower numbers and details for each model.
Looking Ahead: Awaiting Final Answers
As Q1 2026 approaches, Dodge and Stellantis face mounting pressure to clarify the Durango 392’s availability. The outcome will not only affect the Durango but also the future of other 392 Hemi-powered vehicles, including the Charger and Ram 1500.
Performance car fans and dealers are watching closely. The next 120 days will play a critical role in determining whether customers can order the 2026 Durango R/T 392 HEMI in all 50 states or whether restrictions will persist. Dodge insiders say they will share more information soon. The automotive community is eager for updates.
For now, the 2026 Durango 392 Hemi stands as a symbol of Dodge’s commitment to muscle cars and performance, even as regulatory challenges continue to shape the future of V8-powered vehicles.
