The HEMI® engine has long been celebrated for its combination of muscle, capability, and family-ready versatility. After planning to be phased out in recent years, the HEMI® unit is back under the hood in the 2026 Dodge Durango, ensuring that drivers can once again experience the iconic blend of raw power and practical performance that has made this engine a household name. Brunswick Auto Mart explains what all the hype is about.
What Happened to the HEMI®?
For decades, the HEMI® stood as a symbol of American muscle. Known for its hemispherical combustion chamber design, the engine delivered impressive horsepower and torque, setting benchmarks in both muscle cars and SUVs.
However, due to evolving emissions standards and a shift toward electrification, Dodge announced the powerplant’s discontinuation. That decision marked the end of an era, leaving enthusiasts wondering if they had seen the last of one of the most recognizable names in American muscle.
A Legend Returns
The good news is that Dodge has found a way to revive the HEMI® for select models in the lineup, including the 2026 Dodge Durango; this revival represents a balance between performance heritage and modern demands. While Dodge continues its push into electrification and efficiency, the return of the HEMI® proves that there’s still a place for uncompromising power in the brand’s future. For enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, the Durango ensures that HEMI® performance is accessible once again.
HEMI® x Dodge Durango: A Perfect Pair
The 2026 Dodge Durango with the HEMI® is designed to deliver serious strength. Its 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 generates a commanding 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, giving the SUV the muscle it needs for towing, hauling, or simply dominating the highway.
Paired with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine balances brute strength with smooth power delivery. This combination makes the Durango a thrill to drive and gives it a best-in-class 8,700-lb towing capacity.
Experience HEMI® Power in the 2026 Dodge Durango Today
With its HEMI® engine, the 2026 Dodge Durango remains one of the few SUVs on the market that can blend everyday practicality with true muscle performance. Whether you’re looking for weekend adventure, family road trips, or simply the thrill of a V8 engine roaring to life, it delivers on every front. Find yours when you visit Brunswick Auto Mart and see how the spirit of muscle lives on in an SUV designed for modern life.