HEMI Durango Returns, But 17 States Miss Out on 392 and Hellcat

Car Junkie October 7, 2025 2 min read 0

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The Dodge Durango is back with HEMI muscle under the hood, but how much of that power you can buy will depend on where you live. For 2026, every Durango will come standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, rated at 360 horsepower, replacing the old Pentastar V6. But Stellantis has confirmed that the higher-output 392 and supercharged Hellcat trims will only be available in non-CARB states.

A Stellantis spokesperson clarified the strategy in a statement to The Drive: “The Dodge Durango GT with the 5.7-liter HEMI will be available in all states. The Dodge Durango R/T 392 and Durango SRT Hellcat are available in non-CARB states. As we prepare to begin production of the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak later in Q4 and open for orders of the Durango R/T 392 by the end of the year, we continue to work with CARB on opportunities to sell these two powertrains in all states alongside the 5.7-liter Durango GT.”

HEMI Durango Everywhere, Bigger Engines Blocked by Emissions Rules

For buyers outside of CARB states, the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak brings even more personalization. The Jailbreak Custom Color program allows customers to paint their SUV in nearly any hue imaginable, from the bold Green Machine to the wild Stryker Purple. The move is another example of Dodge catering to enthusiasts who want maximum individuality in their high-performance SUVs.

A Familiar Clash With CARB

This isn’t the first time Stellantis has run into friction with California’s emissions board. In 2023, the company limited gas-only Jeep models in CARB states to special orders while stocking dealer lots with plug-in hybrids. That decision led to disputes over compliance metrics, which Stellantis argued treated them unfairly compared to other automakers. Eventually, the two sides struck a deal, with Stellantis agreeing to follow CARB regulations regardless of future federal changes.

Now, history is repeating itself. Buyers in the 17 states aligned with CARB will only see the 5.7L Durango on dealer lots, at least until Stellantis and regulators reach another compromise. Meanwhile, order books for the 2026 Durango Hellcat and its Jailbreak edition opened last month, ensuring plenty of demand where the big HEMIs remain legal.