The long-awaited return of the Dodge Durango V8 comes with a significant geographical restriction. According to information from dealer bulletins, the most powerful versions of the SUV, equipped with the 392 and Hellcat engines, will only be sold in U.S. states that do not follow California’s emissions standards, known as CARB.
Limited Availability for High-Performance Models
While the 2026 Dodge Durango lineup will start with a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 available everywhere, the more aggressive engines are subject to limitations. The website MoparInsiders confirmed the news by obtaining an official statement from Stellantis: “The Durango R/T 392 equipped with the HEMI and the Durango SRT HELLCAT are available in non-CARB states. We continue to evaluate the possibility of offering the full range of V8-powered Durango to all customers.”
A Precedent for Stellantis
This decision is not a surprise for the Stellantis group. The company has already adopted a similar strategy in the past. In 2023, it reserved the electrified versions of certain Jeep models for states adhering to CARB rules, such as Colorado, Oregon, or Delaware, forcing customers to specifically order the gasoline versions.
An Underlying Regulatory Conflict
This situation reflects a broader dispute between Stellantis and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The manufacturer had previously challenged the method of calculating its compliance with regulations, compared to that applied to other manufacturers. An agreement was reached just over a year ago, with Stellantis committing to follow California’s rules, regardless of future federal decisions.
What Future for These Models?
For now, the less fuel-efficient versions of the Dodge Durango will remain unavailable in the 17 states with the strictest standards, pending the outcome of Dodge’s “evaluations.” Orders for the 2026 Durango Hellcat and its highly customizable Jailbreak version opened last month. The future of their widespread availability therefore depends on internal and regulatory decisions.