If you’ve been keeping track of the ongoing resurgence of internal-combustion engines across the various Stellantis brands, you’re likely already informed that after a short break, SRT is back to harness its “V8 all the things” era. It was a trend that had us all questioning at times just how far Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Chrysler could go with the concept. Well, it seems we’ve finally encountered a limitation: At a certain point, there simply aren’t enough V8s available to produce the darned things.
This isn’t particularly problematic for Ram; the truck brand approached the Hemi revival with a solid understanding of customer expectations. And Jeep’s V8 resurgence is still in its formative stages; the high-demand Grand Cherokee has yet to become an official beneficiary. However, at Dodge, the older Durango SUV was spared from discontinuation by the straightforward reason that the company has almost nothing else to offer. The short-lived, Italian-manufactured Hornet succumbed to the twin pressures of canceled electrification incentives and new tariffs, removing the brand’s only budget-friendly, mass-market option, while Chargers continue to be scarce as Stellantis enhances production of the new internal-combustion Sixpack models.
Consequently, Durango currently accounts for nearly 90% of Dodge’s sales volume. Yes, you read that right. The Durango is quite familiar with its current manufacturing figures, but it has been five years since Dodge moved them with such consistency. It’s certainly a favorable dilemma; Dodge would prefer to sell Durangos rather than nothing at all, but with customer interest where it is, the SUV’s popularity has spawned a new issue for Stellantis: It can’t produce V8s quickly enough.
It’s yet another beneficial challenge, and to tackle it, Dodge made the sensible decision: it maintained the V6 model in production for 2026, both elevating the total volume of vehicles it could sell and reducing the Durango’s base price even further. When we recently checked in with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear, who had previously stated that the Hemi would be the default engine for 2026, we sought clarification. After all, it appeared to be a bit of a turnaround.
“We announced an intention,” McAlear conceded. “We proclaimed an all V8 lineup.” He then (correctly) noted that reintroducing the V6 didn’t violate any commitments.
“We did not retract anything regarding our pricing or position,” McAlear emphasized. “We still maintained the price point that we launched the V8 with on the GT 5.7. We never removed the V6 from the production line for other markets. We had it for fleet. We had it for Canada. We had it for Mexico. We had it for Europe.”
In fact, the Hemi remains available exactly as McAlear assured for 2026; there are simply more economical, V6-based alternatives beneath it.
“What we discovered was as consumer demand continues to rise with this vehicle,” McAlear shared, “we could not meet the demand as swiftly as we desired with the Hemi as we looked to augment Hemi production across multiple nameplates.”
And by that, he means including, but not limited to, Dodge. As mentioned earlier, Ram and Jeep have their own requirements concerning the company’s V8 program.
“So, merely to satisfy consumer demand, we didn’t do it for any other reason,” McAlear expressed. “[Durango is] the fastest selling car we have in our assortment right now. And we reintroduced the V6 due to consumer demand.”
There’s no certainty this unplanned expansion will carry on into 2027, McAlear informed us.
“If necessary, if there’s consumer demand for it at that price point and we can still uphold the GT 5.7 and the RT 392 and the Hellcat, we’ll proceed accordingly,” he stated.
And he mentioned that enhancing V8 production capability itself remains a fundamental aspect of shaping its immediate strategy.
“We’re focused on ramping up Hemi production as we’ve mentioned, and we will persist in efforts to boost Hemi production,” he stated.
McAlear also utilized the situation as further evidence of a multi-energy platform strategy yielding results for Stellantis.
“Just as we shifted our primary focus on the Charger to the Hurricane engines instead of the BEV,” he highlighted. “Things might alter next week. Conditions can change tomorrow. We can revert back to 100% battery electric production at our discretion.”
“We were there to align with consumers based on their preferences. We’re providing power of choice and freedom of choice.”
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**Dodge Brings Back V6 Durango Due to V8 Shortage**
In a strategic initiative to respond to present market circumstances, Dodge has declared the reintroduction of the V6 engine option for its Durango SUV. This decision arises from ongoing supply chain difficulties impacting the availability of V8 engines, which have historically powered the Durango and are favored by performance enthusiasts.
### Background
The Dodge Durango, a midsize SUV recognized for its formidable performance and roomy interior, has primarily been available with powerful V8 engine options. However, the automotive sector has encountered noteworthy interruptions due to global supply chain challenges, especially in the semiconductor market and raw materials. These issues have resulted in a V8 engine shortage, compelling Dodge to rethink its engine offerings.
### The V6 Engine Revival
The re-launch of the V6 engine option seeks to provide consumers with a more attainable and fuel-efficient substitute for the V8. The Durango’s V6 variant is anticipated to be equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar engine, which offers a blend of performance and efficiency. This engine usually produces around 295 horsepower and delivers enhanced fuel economy when compared to its V8 equivalents.
### Market Implications
Through the revival of the V6 option, Dodge is positioning the Durango to attract a wider customer base, including families and individuals searching for a more economical SUV. This strategy aligns with a growing trend in the automotive sector where consumers increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency and practicality over outright power.
### Performance and Features
While the V6 engine may not rival the raw output of the V8, it still offers sufficient performance for everyday driving and family needs. The Durango’s V6 variant will likely be equipped with many of the same features as its V8 counterparts, including advanced safety technologies, an intuitive infotainment system, and a spacious interior capable of seating up to seven passengers.
### Future Outlook
Dodge’s choice to bring back the V6 Durango signifies a sensible approach to current market dynamics. As supply chain problems continue to impact production, automakers are discovering innovative methods to meet consumer demand without compromising quality. The V6 Durango is expected to draw a new segment of buyers while preserving the brand’s image for performance and capability.
In summary, the reintroduction of the V6 engine choice for the Dodge Durango represents a significant change in the SUV’s lineup. As the automotive landscape evolves, Dodge’s ability to adapt may serve as an example for other manufacturers grappling with similar challenges stemming from supply constraints.