The 2026 Dodge Durango GT HEMI V8 Premium combines three-row seating with a naturally aspirated V8, standard all-wheel drive and a substantial list of comfort features. Its distinguishing equipment includes ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, premium cabin trim and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The useful comparison is between this exact Premium model and the less expensive HEMI Plus, because the engine is shared while the audio, interior detailing and lane assistance differ.
This guide covers the specifications and equipment offered for the Canadian model, including seating choices, towing packages, fuel consumption and pricing in Canadian dollars. The Automotive Car Reviews walkaround below provides a closer look at the vehicle.
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2026 Durango GT HEMI V8 Premium: Quick Specs
| Engine | 5.7-litre naturally aspirated HEMI V8 with cylinder deactivation |
| Output | 360 horsepower; 390 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission / drivetrain | 8-speed automatic; all-wheel drive |
| Seating | 7 standard; 6 with optional second-row captain’s chairs |
| Maximum towing | 3,266 kg (7,200 lb); up to 3,946 kg (8,700 lb) with Tow’n Go |
| Fuel consumption | 17.0 city / 11.0 highway / 14.3 combined L/100 km |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 NAV; 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio |
| Price reference | C$83,185 base; C$73,185 after the displayed C$10,000 Consumer Cash offer |
Models and Trims
The 2026 Durango configurator lists SXT, GT, GT Plus, GT HEMI V8 Plus, GT HEMI V8 Premium and SRT Hellcat Jailbreak. The SXT is the entry point, while GT and GT Plus use the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6. The two HEMI models use the 5.7-litre V8; the Hellcat has a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. Dodge identifies the HEMI Plus and Premium as having limited availability.
The GT HEMI V8 Premium builds on the Plus with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, an 825-watt amplifier, a Dinamica suede-like headliner, a premium wrapped instrument panel and forged carbon fibre interior accents. Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and Advanced Brake Assist are also part of the Premium specification. These are more meaningful differences than simply choosing a different wheel or paint colour.
Engine, Transmission and All-Wheel Drive
The 5.7-litre HEMI produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are included. FuelSaver Multi-Displacement System technology can deactivate cylinders when full engine output is unnecessary. The standard rear axle ratio is 3.09, and the suspension specification includes sport tuning and rear load levelling.
This engine is distinct from the supercharged Hellcat powertrain. Choosing Premium does not increase the 5.7-litre engine’s output over the HEMI Plus. Instead, the additional spending buys cabin equipment and assistance features. Tow’n Go changes the capability and chassis equipment, so it should be considered separately from the Premium trim name.
Towing and Payload
Dodge rates the 5.7-litre Durango for up to 3,266 kg (7,200 lb) of towing, increasing to 3,946 kg (8,700 lb) with the optional Tow’n Go Package. The GT HEMI V8 Premium’s standard Customer Preferred Package 22U includes a Class IV receiver, seven- and four-pin wiring and a trailer brake controller. This makes the towing equipment list more complete than a receiver-only installation.
Tow’n Go was listed at C$2,995 in the configurator when checked. Buyers seeking the higher rating need that package on the actual vehicle; the presence of a V8 or a hitch alone does not establish an 8,700-lb rating. Trailer weight also has to fit within the vehicle’s gross combined weight, axle and tongue-weight limits.
The configurator lists a 3,220-kg (7,100-lb) gross vehicle weight rating. Payload is the remaining allowance for people, luggage, accessories and trailer tongue weight, and the correct figure is printed on the individual vehicle’s certification and loading labels. A full passenger load can consume a significant part of that allowance before a trailer is attached.
Fuel Economy and Fuel Requirements
Natural Resources Canada’s 2026 guide lists the 5.7-litre AWD Durango at 17.0 L/100 km in the city, 11.0 on the highway and 14.3 combined. These figures apply to the V8 powertrain rather than the V6 or Hellcat. At the combined rating, 20,000 km would require approximately 2,860 litres of fuel, which gives buyers a practical starting point for an annual fuel budget.
The fuel tank holds approximately 92 litres. Dodge states that regular unleaded can be used with the 5.7-litre HEMI, with 89-octane fuel recommended for optimum performance. Fuel consumption varies with temperature, load, terrain and towing, so the official test figures are a comparison tool rather than a promised result.
Interior, Seating and Cargo
The GT HEMI V8 Premium has seven seats as standard: two in front, three across the second-row bench and two in the third row. Optional second-row fold-and-tumble captain’s chairs cost C$600 and reduce capacity to six. There is no eight-seat configuration for this model. The second-row bench splits 60/40, while the third row folds 50/50, allowing part of the rear seating to remain in use when carrying longer items.
Leather-faced front bucket seats are included. Both front seats have eight-way power adjustment and four-way power lumbar support; the driver’s seat has memory. Front-seat ventilation, heated second-row seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a power sunroof are listed in the standard equipment group. Front and rear climate controls help serve all three seating rows.
Premium-specific finishes include the wrapped instrument panel, forged carbon fibre accents and Dinamica headliner. The available Blacktop Redline package changes appearance and seating details, so its special seats should not be described as standard leather upholstery. Standard wheels are 20-by-8-inch Satin Carbon split five-spoke alloys with 265/50R20 all-season low-rolling-resistance tires.
Dodge’s model specifications list approximately 2,410 litres of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded. That figure represents the largest available load space, not the room left behind an occupied third row. Families keeping every seat in use should compare the remaining luggage area in the walkaround and at the dealership.
Infotainment and Audio
Uconnect 5 NAV with a 10.1-inch touchscreen is standard on the GT HEMI V8 Premium. The system combines navigation, smartphone integration and connected-service functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support compatible phones, while Bluetooth and USB connections provide additional ways to handle audio and devices.
The 19-speaker Harman Kardon system includes a subwoofer and an 825-watt amplifier. It is included with Premium rather than an extra audio package, and is one of the clearest reasons to choose this trim over HEMI Plus. The equipment group also lists dual remote USB charging ports and a 115-volt auxiliary outlet. Connected services and satellite-radio access may require subscriptions after included trial periods.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The standard Premium equipment group lists Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Advanced Brake Assist and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. Blind-Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection is also included, which is particularly relevant for owners using the factory towing equipment.
The model specification lists front and rear ParkSense parking assistance with Stop and a rear-view camera. Automatic high-beam control, stability and traction control, front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags covering the seating rows add to the equipment list. A rear camera should not be confused with a 360-degree surround-view system.
These systems have different purposes: the collision functions address a potential frontal hazard, blind-spot monitoring covers adjacent traffic and lane assistance responds to lane markings. Adaptive cruise can manage spacing within its operating conditions, but the driver remains responsible for control and observation.
Pricing and Options
Dodge’s Ontario cash configurator showed a base price of C$83,185 for the GT HEMI V8 Premium in no-charge White Knuckle paint, with no additional options. A displayed C$10,000 Consumer Cash offer reduced the estimated amount to C$73,185 before sales tax. The lower figure is an incentive-adjusted cash reference, not the undiscounted base price, and offers can change.
The same configurator listed the Blacktop Package at C$995, Blacktop Redline at C$2,495, Tow’n Go at C$2,995 and second-row captain’s chairs at C$600. Paint upgrades varied by colour. Package compatibility can affect the final configuration, so these figures should not be added together without checking the selected build. Provincial sales tax, registration and any applicable dealer charges still need to be considered in an itemized quote.
Competition
The Ford Explorer is a useful comparison for buyers considering another three-row SUV with available higher-output engines. A Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a similar three-row layout with a different trim and powertrain approach. Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia also belong on the shortlist when passenger and luggage space are priorities.
Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride provide further three-row alternatives with a broad range of family features. The Durango’s particular appeal is its available naturally aspirated V8 and substantial towing capacity. Its 14.3-L/100-km combined rating and the cost of the Premium specification make fuel spending and the actual need for its towing package important comparison points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Durango GT HEMI V8 Premium seat seven?
Yes. The standard second-row bench gives it seven seats. Optional captain’s chairs change the layout to six seats.
Can it tow 8,700 lb?
That maximum requires the Tow’n Go Package and compliance with the vehicle’s loading limits. The regular 5.7-litre configuration is rated for up to 7,200 lb.
What does Premium add over HEMI Plus?
Key additions include the 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, premium instrument-panel and carbon fibre detailing, Dinamica headliner, lane assistance and Advanced Brake Assist. The 360-horsepower engine output is unchanged.
Explore our other SUV reviews to compare equipment and specifications.