Morgan Hill Dodge - How Much Can the 2026 Dodge Durango Tow for Weekend Escapes near Monterey, CA?
Weekend plans have a way of growing—boats, campers, motorcycles, gear for everyone—so it is worth asking whether your next SUV has the muscle to keep up. The 2026 Dodge Durango is rated to tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped, giving families and adventure-seekers a meaningful buffer for real-world trailers and payloads around coastal routes and rolling hills.
The foundation is strength you can feel: a standard 5.7-liter V-8 with 360 horsepower and a smooth 8-speed automatic, plus the balance of a rear-wheel-drive platform and available all-wheel drive for stable, confident traction. Choose the available 6.4-liter “392” V-8 if you want even more effortless pull, especially at elevation or with a larger camper in tow. And for drivers who want extra hardware and presence, the R/T’s Tow N Go package brings performance-minded equipment and SRT-inspired cues that match the Durango’s capability with visual authority.
- Max rating: Up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped covers many dual-axle campers, boats, and toy haulers.
- Powertrain choices: The standard 5.7-liter V-8 is a strong all-rounder; the available 6.4-liter “392” V-8 adds serious reserve power.
- Stability support: A rear-wheel-drive platform and available all-wheel drive contribute to confident, predictable towing manners.
- Load-leveling help: A rear load-leveling suspension, standard on trims like GT Plus, assists with composure when hitched and loaded.
- Package potential: The R/T’s Tow N Go package pairs capability with performance-minded hardware and tuning.
Numbers tell part of the story; your route tells the rest. Coastal winds, tight ramps, and steep driveways are easier to manage when your SUV’s chassis and powertrain are working with you. The Durango’s calm under load translates into less steering correction and more confidence when you merge, pass, or brake with a trailer attached.
To dial in the right configuration, think through your heaviest trailer and the conditions you see most frequently. If you only tow a few times a year and want a balanced daily driver, the 5.7-liter V-8 is ideal. If you haul often or cover longer distances with a heavier camper, the 6.4-liter “392” V-8’s added torque and reserve power make highway grades and headwinds feel easier. Our team can also walk you through how a rear load-leveling suspension supports consistent ride height and steering feel when the tongue weight changes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need all-wheel drive for towing with the Durango?
All-wheel drive is not required for the Durango’s maximum tow rating, but it can improve launch traction and stability on wet ramps or sandy pull-outs. If your weekend plans often include variable surfaces, AWD is a smart upgrade; for mostly dry, paved towing, rear-wheel drive works very well.
Which Durango engine should I pick if I tow a few weekends a year?
The standard 5.7-liter V-8 provides confident, predictable power for occasional towing, with a smooth character that suits everyday driving. If your trailer runs heavier or your routes include steep grades, the available 6.4-liter “392” V-8 provides extra headroom so the vehicle feels more relaxed under load.
Choosing the right 2026 Dodge Durango for your gear and favorite destinations is easier with a short, targeted test drive—bring your checklist and we will match the configuration to your needs. Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is serving Monterey, Carmel Valley, and Pacific Grove with helpful demonstrations and informed recommendations so you can hook up and go with confidence.