Is a Dodge Durango GT a V6?
Yes. The Durango GT is powered by a V6—the 3.6-liter Pentastar—often paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system in recent years. It is not a V8, though other Durango trims offer V8 engines.
Engine details of the Durango GT
The GT's core engine is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. It delivers smooth acceleration when paired with Dodge's eight-speed automatic transmission. In many recent model years, the engine is equipped with the eTorque mild-hybrid system, which enhances low-end torque and can improve efficiency in stop-and-go driving. The GT remains a V6-powered trim, while higher-performance Durango variants offer Hemi V8 engines.
How the engine configuration has evolved
Over the years, the Durango GT has consistently used the 3.6L V6 as its base powertrain. The notable change has been the optional eTorque mild-hybrid system, introduced to boost low-end response and efficiency without moving to a V8. Drive configurations typically include rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the chosen options.
Engine options by year and configuration (overview):
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eight-speed automatic; available in RWD or AWD; newer years commonly pair it with eTorque for improved low-end torque and efficiency.
- V8 options exist in other Durango trims (5.7L Hemi in the RT; 6.4L Hemi in the SRT) but are not part of the GT.
Bottom line: If you want the GT badge, expect a V6 powertrain rather than a V8.
Beyond the GT: how the Durango lineup handles V8 options
For buyers seeking V8 power, other Durango trims offer larger engines. The Durango RT features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering more horsepower and towing capability, while the Durango SRT has (in various years) a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 for higher performance. These V8 variants are separate from the GT and are aimed at different performance priorities.
- Durango RT — 5.7L Hemi V8 (performance-oriented option with higher horsepower)
- Durango SRT — 6.4L Hemi V8 (top-end performance variant in earlier generations)
In practice, those V8 variants trade off fuel economy and price for greater straight-line speed and boost in overall horsepower—something the GT’s V6 powertrain is not designed to match.
Performance and fuel economy
In everyday driving, the Durango GT’s 3.6-liter V6 offers ample power for a three-row SUV with a sporty character, especially when paired with the eight-speed automatic. The optional eTorque system helps with low-speed responsiveness and efficiency, though the Durango remains a relatively heavy vehicle with fuel economy trailing smaller SUVs. If peak horsepower and acceleration are your priorities, the V8-equipped RT or SRT trims will deliver more, at the cost of higher fuel consumption and price.
Summary
The Dodge Durango GT is a V6-powered trim, relying on the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine and often paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system in recent years. It is not a V8; V8 power is reserved for higher-performance trims such as RT and SRT. For buyers seeking a balance of sportiness and practicality with a V6, the GT remains the standard-bearer in that category within the Durango lineup.
