Dodge has expanded sales of its high-performance 2026 Durango models—including the coveted R/T 392 and Hellcat variants—to all U.S. states. Previously, these V8-powered trims were restricted to markets outside of California Air Resources Board (CARB)-regulated states.
Initial Restrictions and Why They Mattered
When Dodge announced the 2026 Durango would exclusively offer V8 engines (5.7-liter, 6.4-liter, and the supercharged 6.2-liter), it came with a catch. The R/T 392 and Hellcat models were initially approved for sale in only non-CARB states. This meant residents of the 17 CARB-regulated states—including major markets like California and New York—could only order the base 5.7-liter Durango.
CARB regulations are among the strictest emissions standards in the U.S. Automakers must demonstrate compliance to sell vehicles in these states. The initial restriction suggested Dodge faced challenges meeting these standards with the higher-performance engines.
Expansion to Ten More States
Last month, Dodge addressed this limitation by opening orders for the 6.4-liter and 6.2-liter Durango models in ten CARB states: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia. This move signaled progress toward nationwide availability.
Remaining States and Approval Timeline
The remaining seven CARB states—California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington, and Vermont—are expected to receive approval by the end of the year. A recent dealer guide published by Mopar Insiders confirmed this timeline.
Technical Changes and Emissions Compliance
The exact modifications Dodge made to the Durango to meet CARB standards remain unclear. Automakers often make subtle changes to exhaust systems, fuel delivery, or other components to reduce emissions without significantly impacting performance.
V6 Availability Limited to Fleets
Despite the V8-only consumer offering, Dodge continues to produce the Durango with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. However, this version is reserved exclusively for government and fleet buyers, reinforcing the brand’s focus on performance for retail customers.
The expansion of V8 availability nationwide marks a significant win for Dodge enthusiasts and demonstrates the automaker’s commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles to all U.S. markets
