Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Dodge Durango near Gilroy, CA
If you are comparing three-row SUVs that can haul, hustle, and handle family life with ease, the 2026 Dodge Durango deserves a prime spot on your list. With standard V-8 power, a confident rear-wheel-drive platform, and available all-wheel drive, the Durango brings muscle-car character to a spacious cabin and smart tech interface. Shoppers near Gilroy, CA turn to us for straight answers and hands-on expertise, and our team is ready to help you understand exactly how the latest Durango fits your daily drive, your weekend plans, and your towing needs. At Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we focus on clarity, capability, and confidence—so you get the right SUV the first time.
2026 Dodge Durango Overview
The 2026 Dodge Durango blends muscular performance with three-row practicality and a modern cabin anchored by a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen. For 2026, Dodge focuses on power and presence—V-8 engines headline the lineup, including a standard 5.7-liter V-8 and an available 6.4-liter “392” V-8 on select trims. Rear-wheel drive underpinnings give the Durango a poised, athletic feel, while available all-wheel drive adds confident traction for varied road conditions. Properly equipped, every Durango is rated to tow up to 8,700 pounds, a standout figure among three-row SUVs. Inside, you’ll find seating for up to seven, with available second-row captain’s chairs, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety tech includes standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with available automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. New for 2026, the R/T offers a Blacktop Redline package that sharpens the Durango’s already bold stance with black 20-inch wheels and distinctive exterior accents.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Dodge Durango Stands Out near Gilroy, CA
Drivers evaluating the 2026 Dodge Durango near Gilroy, CA often want quick, decisive reasons to move forward. Here are the core advantages that set this SUV apart from ordinary three-row options.
- Standard V-8 strength: The 5.7-liter V-8 brings 360 hp and effortless everyday power, with the 6.4-liter “392” V-8 available for serious performance.
- Real towing muscle: Properly equipped, the Durango is rated for a maximum 8,700-pound towing capacity—exceptional for a three-row SUV.
- Driver-first dynamics: A rear-wheel-drive platform delivers a confident, athletic feel, while available AWD enhances all-season traction.
- Modern, intuitive tech: The standard 10.1-inch Uconnect interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available premium audio.
- Confidence-boosting safety: Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, plus available automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Taken together, these strengths create a distinctive proposition—serious capability with everyday comfort, a clean and intuitive tech experience, and the poised driving manners of a vehicle engineered around balance and control. If you have a boat, a pair of jet skis, or a heavy cargo trailer, the Durango’s combination of powertrains and chassis tuning makes towing feel calm and predictable while keeping your family comfortable mile after mile.
Key Features of the 2026 Dodge Durango
Standard V-8 Powertrains with 8-Speed Automatic
For 2026, V-8 power defines the Durango lineup. The 5.7-liter V-8 is standard on core trims, delivering 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque through a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain’s broad torque curve helps you pull confidently from a standstill, merge with authority, and maintain steady pace on steep grades—especially helpful when you are towing. Higher up the range, the 6.4-liter “392” V-8 produces 475 horsepower for drivers who want a deeper reserve of acceleration and passing power. Both engines are designed to work seamlessly with the transmission’s smart shift logic, keeping you in the right gear without hunting or harshness. The result is a powertrain experience that feels relaxed in city driving and resolute on the highway, even with a full cabin and gear aboard.
Rear-Wheel-Drive Dynamics and Available All-Wheel Drive
The 2026 Dodge Durango is engineered around a rear-wheel-drive platform, and that foundation matters. It helps deliver balanced weight distribution and composed handling, inspiring confidence when the road curves or when you need a precise lane change. For added traction on wet or uneven surfaces, available all-wheel drive distributes torque where it’s needed to maintain grip and stability. This balance of RWD character and AWD confidence is a key reason the Durango feels planted yet agile, more like a grand tourer than a typical three-row SUV. Dodge also offers packages that sharpen the look and feel, such as the R/T’s Blacktop Redline package with black 20-inch wheels and aerodynamic addenda—styling that complements the SUV’s athletic tuning without compromising daily comfort.
Maximum Towing Capacity of 8,700 Pounds
Capable is an understatement. Properly equipped, the Durango is rated to tow a maximum of 8,700 pounds, placing it among the leaders in the three-row SUV category. That figure isn’t just a headline—it translates into real-world versatility for boats, campers, and utility trailers. The 8-speed automatic’s gearing aids controlled launches on ramps, while the V-8’s torque helps you hold speed on inclines without constant downshifts. The Durango’s robust chassis and suspension tuning also support stable, predictable towing behavior with a reassuring steering feel. Whether you’re heading out from near Gilroy, CA toward a coastal campground or hauling equipment for a project, the Durango’s towing credentials let you plan bigger and travel farther with peace of mind.
10.1-Inch Uconnect® Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The Durango cabin brings thoughtful technology to the forefront. A standard 10.1-inch touchscreen houses the Uconnect® infotainment system, known for logical menus, responsive inputs, and clear graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you bring your favorite apps into easy reach without cords, while Bluetooth provides clear call quality—callers can hear the V-8’s sonorous rumble, yet voice clarity remains strong. Available premium audio elevates the experience even further, and the interface is designed so drivers can quickly access navigation, playlists, and vehicle settings with minimal distraction. For families, this setup helps keep everyone connected and entertained during longer trips, and for commuters, it streamlines the daily routine.
Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Available Driver Assistance
Safety technology supports confident driving in busy parking lots and thick traffic. The Durango includes standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to help identify vehicles you might not see. Available automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control further expand your safety net, adding layers of assistance for stop-and-go commutes or longer highway stretches. The seating layout—standard three-passenger second-row bench with available captain’s chairs—helps you tailor the space for people, gear, or both, while the third row maintains a raised feel for enhanced visibility. Together, these features show how the Durango brings modern driver-assistance into a vehicle that also prioritizes performance and towing strength.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Dodge Durango
Before selecting your configuration, keep these points in mind to align the Durango with your needs today and long term.
- Powertrain choice: Decide between the standard 5.7-liter V-8 for robust daily performance or the 6.4-liter “392” V-8 for maximum output.
- Drivetrain selection: Choose rear-wheel drive for classic dynamics or available all-wheel drive for added traction in varied conditions.
- Towing setup: If you plan to tow regularly, confirm you have the proper equipment and hitch setup to achieve the 8,700-pound maximum rating.
- Seating configuration: Consider the standard second-row bench for seven-passenger capacity or available captain’s chairs for easier third-row access.
- Driver-assistance mix: Evaluate which available safety features—such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control—fit your driving habits.
Our team at Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will walk through these considerations step by step, including how you plan to use your Durango during the week and on weekends. This helps us recommend the right drivetrain, options, and accessories so you enjoy every mile from day one. Whether your travels take you toward San Jose or down the coast to Monterey, the right configuration ensures you get the most from your Durango.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines are available on the 2026 Dodge Durango?
The 2026 Durango lineup centers on V-8 power. A 5.7-liter V-8 is standard on the GT and selected trims, while the R/T offers the 6.4-liter “392” V-8. Both pair with an 8-speed automatic. Dodge notes a limited number of V-6 units exist in the market and that certain fleet configurations may continue with the V-6, but the 2026 focus is on V-8 performance.
How much can the 2026 Dodge Durango tow when properly equipped?
When properly equipped, all 2026 Durango models are rated for a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. That capacity puts the Durango among the top three-row SUVs for towing, enabling confident travel with boats, campers, and cargo trailers.
Does the Durango offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. The Durango’s rear-wheel-drive platform is engineered for balanced, athletic handling, and available all-wheel drive adds traction for wet, gravel, or mixed surfaces. This combination is ideal for drivers who value confident dynamics year-round.
Which safety and driver-assistance features are standard or available?
Standard features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Available technologies include automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. This layered approach lets you equip your Durango with the assistance features that best match your driving environment.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Dodge Durango
A thoughtful test drive helps you feel the Durango’s balance of power, comfort, and tech. Use the checklist below to evaluate what matters most to you near Gilroy, CA.
- Cold start check: Start the engine from cold to assess idle smoothness, exhaust tone, and initial throttle response from the 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter V-8.
- Infotainment setup: Pair your phone wirelessly to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and test core apps on the 10.1-inch Uconnect® screen.
- City maneuvering: Navigate a few tight turns and parking scenarios to feel steering effort, visibility, and the aid from blind-spot monitoring.
- Highway merge: Use an on-ramp to evaluate acceleration and the transmission’s shift logic under moderate and strong throttle.
- Ride and noise: Note suspension composure over rough pavement and cabin noise levels at 65 mph for family conversation comfort.
- Seating and access: Fold and unfold the second and third rows, checking space for car seats, coolers, or weekend gear.
- Towing discussion: If you plan to tow, review hitch equipment and weight ratings with our team and map how your trailer fits within the 8,700-pound maximum.
Bring your everyday gear—strollers, sports bags, or a work case—so you can gauge real-world storage and passenger comfort. Our product specialists are happy to customize your route and compare trims back-to-back so you can feel differences firsthand.
Why Buy from Morgan Hill Dodge near Gilroy, CA?
We are passionate about matching the right Durango to every driver, and we make the process straightforward from first look to final handshake.
- Local expertise: Our team understands how families drive near Gilroy, CA and can tailor recommendations to your commute, weekend trips, and towing needs.
- Extensive selection: We maintain a robust inventory so you can compare powertrains, drivetrains, and interior layouts in one visit.
- Guided configuration: We help you choose the right equipment to achieve the Durango’s 8,700-pound towing rating and desired driver-assistance features.
- Factory-trained service: Our certified technicians support you with routine maintenance and expert care for long-term confidence.
- Streamlined process: From trade-in evaluation to paperwork, we keep each step efficient so you can get back to what matters most.
At Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our approach is transparent and consultative—we listen first, then tailor solutions. Whether you plan to roam the coast or shuttle the team across town, we are ready to help you get more from every mile in your Durango.
Next Steps
Ready to move forward on a 2026 Dodge Durango near Gilroy, CA? Use this checklist to keep your research on track.
- Confirm priorities: List your top five needs—power, towing, seating, tech, and safety—to guide your configuration.
- Pick a powertrain: Choose between the standard 5.7-liter V-8 or the 6.4-liter “392” V-8 based on performance goals.
- Select drivetrain: Decide on rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive for your local conditions.
- Map towing needs: Match your trailer’s weight to the Durango’s equipment to reach the 8,700-pound maximum rating.
- Schedule a drive: Book a test drive with our team and compare trims side by side.
We will help you validate every decision with a hands-on test drive and a clear walkthrough of options. When you are ready, we will handle the details so you can enjoy the rewarding capability of your 2026 Dodge Durango near Gilroy, CA with confidence.
Request More Info About the 2026 Dodge Durango near Gilroy, CA
Have questions about V-8 differences, towing equipment, or seating configurations? Our team is here to help you sort the details and feel assured in your choice. Reach out to Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a personalized consultation, from drivetrain selection to driver-assistance recommendations and accessory options that suit your lifestyle. We will align your configuration to your daily routine and weekend plans, review how to achieve the Durango’s 8,700-pound towing capacity, and set up an extended test drive so you can experience the powertrain, handling, and technology in real traffic. Share your priorities, and we will tailor the path forward—clear, efficient, and focused on your needs near Gilroy, CA. Your next SUV should make every day easier and every road more enjoyable. Let’s build the 2026 Dodge Durango you will look forward to driving, mile after mile.