Is a Dodge Durango a V6 or V-8?
Short answer: It can be either, depending on the model year and trim. Everyday Durangos typically use a V6, while higher-performance versions use V8 power, including a supercharged V8 in the top-end Hellcat variant.
The Dodge Durango has offered a range of engine choices over its history. From a practical V6 for daily driving to multiple V8 options for towing and performance, the lineup has evolved with each generation. Below is a guided look at the engines that have powered the Durango and where they appeared in the lineup.
Engine options across the Durango lineup
Before listing the engines, note that availability varies by model year and trim. The base and most mid-range trims typically come with a V6, while RT, SRT, and Hellcat variants switch to larger V8s or supercharged power for performance-focused buyers.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: The standard engine on most trims, producing about 295 hp and around 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic and is the most common configuration for fuel efficiency and everyday use.
- 5.7L Hemi V8: An optional upgrade on RT trims and some other configurations, delivering roughly 360 hp and about 390 lb-ft of torque. In certain years it was offered with mild-hybrid eTorque, which provided a modest torque boost.
- 6.4L Hemi V8 (392): Used on the Durango SRT, producing around 475 hp and about 470 lb-ft of torque for a high-performance capability beyond the standard V8 options.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (Hellcat): The most powerful Durango, generating about 710 hp and roughly 645 lb-ft of torque on the Durango SRT Hellcat, a high-performance variant produced through the 2023 model year.
Concluding paragraph: The Durango’s engine lineup clearly spans both V6 and multiple V8 configurations, with the V6 serving everyday duties and the V8s unlocking towing and performance capabilities on select trims and model years. Always verify the exact engine in a given vehicle by checking the trim details and the VIN.
Notable variants and historical context
Before detailing the variants, it’s helpful to understand which versions carried which powertrains. The Durango has long offered a progression from practical family SUV to high-performance contender, with each generation introducing or phasing in different V8 options and, in the top tier, a supercharged V8.
- Durango RT: Generally equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8, emphasizing stronger acceleration and towing capability compared with the base V6.
- Durango SRT: Introduced the 6.4L Hemi V8, delivering a noticeable performance boost and specialized handling for enthusiasts.
- Durango SRT Hellcat: Featured the 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8, offering extreme performance with a focus on top speed and track-like capability; production spanned through 2023.
Concluding paragraph: Across its history, the Durango has walked a line between utility and performance. Buyers can expect V6 power for routine use or V8 power for towing and high-performance applications, with the exact availability dependent on model year and trim.
Choosing the right engine for your needs
If you’re shopping for a Durango, align the engine choice with your goals: choose the 3.6L V6 for daily driving and efficiency, the 5.7L Hemi for stronger acceleration and towing, or the 6.4L Hemi (or supercharged 6.2L Hellcat in earlier high-performance years) if you crave maximum performance and capability. Verify the specific engine and power figures for the exact model year you’re considering, as configurations shift between generations and trims.
Summary: The Dodge Durango has offered both V6 and a range of V8 engines across its lifecycle. The base models typically run on a 3.6L V6, while higher-performance trims use larger V8s—5.7L, 6.4L, and in top-end variants, the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat. Engine availability depends on the model year and trim, so check the build details for the exact configuration.
