Morgan Hill Dodge - Should I Choose the 5.7L HEMI® V8 or the 6.4L 392 V8 on the 2026 Dodge Durango near Gilroy, CA?
If you are comparing 2026 Dodge Durango models near Gilroy, CA, the deciding factor often comes down to engine choice. At Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we guide shoppers through the differences between the standard 5.7L HEMI® V8 and the available 6.4L HEMI® V8 “392,” so you can match performance, capability, and everyday comfort to the way you actually drive around the South Bay. For 2026, Dodge confirmed a V-8 lineup — the 360-hp 5.7L HEMI® V8 in GT and the 475-hp 6.4L “392” in R/T — with a small number of V-6 units built and AWD available. That clarity makes it easier to focus your decision on power delivery, towing needs, and local road conditions from US-101 to Hecker Pass.
Both Durango engines pair with an 8-speed automatic on a rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers confident, athletic road manners. The 5.7L HEMI® V8 strikes a compelling balance — strong acceleration, a satisfying V-8 soundtrack, and family-friendly ride quality. Step up to the 6.4L HEMI® V8 “392” and you get a more authoritative surge with every throttle input, tuned to make highway merges and mountain climbs feel effortless. Either way, Durango’s available all-wheel drive adds traction reassurance for wet commutes and weekend adventures, while maximum towing capacity reaches up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. If your plans include boat ramps along the Monterey Bay or camping gear for Coyote Lake, the right V-8 gives you options.
To help you decide confidently, consider how each engine fits your everyday routes, weekend plans, and cabin priorities around Gilroy and Morgan Hill.
- Choose the 5.7L HEMI® V8 if: You want robust power for daily driving, school runs, and highway cruising, with confident towing for small to medium trailers when properly equipped.
- Choose the 6.4L HEMI® V8 “392” if: You prioritize maximum performance and frequent towing near the top of the Durango’s capability, or you want the most responsive acceleration for mountain grades and fully loaded road trips.
- Plan to add AWD if: You value extra traction for rainy-season commutes on US-101, occasional gravel or dirt access roads, or you prefer the planted feel of all-wheel drive in a three-row SUV.
- Focus on comfort and tech if: Your family needs three-row flexibility, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless, cable-free smartphone integration.
Beyond the engine, you will want the cabin experience to feel right from the first test drive. The 2026 Durango includes a contemporary 10.1-inch touchscreen running a familiar Uconnect interface, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep navigation, playlists, and calls within easy reach. Seating for up to seven is standard, with available second-row captain’s chairs if you prefer easier third-row access. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, while automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are available to expand driver assistance for busy I-280 or CA-85 traffic.
If towing is central to your decision, both V-8s support the Durango’s maximum 8,700-pound rating when properly equipped, and our team can help you configure the right hitch, load-leveling suspension, and trailer features for smoother control. For mixed family-and-gear missions — think strollers, sports bags, and a weekend cooler — the Durango’s fold-flat versatility makes it easy to expand cargo space as needed. We recommend a back-to-back drive in a GT (5.7L HEMI® V8) and an R/T (6.4L HEMI® V8 “392”) on the same route near Gilroy to feel the difference in throttle response and ride character.
At Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we tailor recommendations to your exact use case — school drop-offs in Morgan Hill, Costco runs in Gilroy, plus a few towing trips each year — or performance-first drives with regular mountain climbs and more frequent trailer duty. Bring us your itinerary and we will translate it into the right engine, drivetrain, and feature set.
When you are ready, our team can also help with trade evaluation, set up an on-road loop that includes surface streets and a freeway stretch, and walk you through available safety and towing packages. The goal is simple: make sure your 2026 Dodge Durango feels perfect from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is all-wheel drive available with both Durango V-8 engines?
Yes. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available, giving you extra traction for wet roads and confidence when the SUV is fully loaded.
What is the maximum towing capacity on the 2026 Dodge Durango?
When properly equipped, the 2026 Durango is rated to tow up to 8,700 pounds. Our team can help you select the right configuration and towing hardware to reach that capability.
How do the 5.7L HEMI® V8 and 6.4L HEMI® V8 “392” feel different in daily driving?
The 5.7L HEMI® V8 delivers strong, smooth acceleration that suits everyday commuting and family trips. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 “392” adds noticeably more punch for passing, steeper climbs, and frequent towing.
Does the 2026 Durango include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. A 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, so you can connect without cables and keep your dash tidy.
Which safety features come standard, and which are available?
Standard features include blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades include automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control for enhanced convenience on congested Bay Area highways.
If you would like personalized guidance choosing between the 5.7L HEMI® V8 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8 “392,” visit us at Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We will set up a local test drive near Gilroy, CA, discuss your towing and seating needs, and help you configure a 2026 Dodge Durango that feels just right for your life.