Towing Guide
2026 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity by Trim
The Short Answer
5,000–8,700 lb depending on engine & drivetrain.
V6 RWD: 5,000 lb — 6.4L SRT / Hellcat: 8,700 lb.
V6 RWD: 5,000 lb — 6.4L SRT / Hellcat: 8,700 lb.
The 2026 Durango's towing capacity ranges from 5,000 lb on the base V6 RWD up to 8,700 lb with the 6.4L SRT HEMI V8 and the Hellcat. Here's the full breakdown by trim, engine, and drivetrain — with the numbers that matter for Triangle-area buyers towing boats on Jordan Lake, campers on I-40, or trailers through the RTP corridor.
3.6L V6 / RWD
5,000
lb max tow
3.6L V6 / AWD
6,200
lb max tow
5.7L HEMI V8
7,200
lb max tow
6.4L SRT / Hellcat
8,700
lb max tow
Towing Capacity Explained
The Engine Determines the Number — Trim Determines the Engine
The 2026 Dodge Durango's towing capacity is directly tied to which engine you choose, and the engine options are gated by trim. The base GT is available with either the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 5.7L HEMI V8. Moving up to the GT Plus and GT Premium unlocks the V8 as the only powerplant. The R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat are 6.4L and 6.2L V8 vehicles respectively, and both cap out at 8,700 lb.
Drivetrain also matters within the V6 trims: a GT AWD with the V6 tows 6,200 lb while the same engine in RWD configuration is rated at 5,000 lb. If you're buying a Durango primarily for towing, the AWD versions of any trim deliver meaningfully more capacity without requiring an engine upgrade.
The Durango is one of a shrinking group of 3-row SUVs that can legitimately tow over 8,000 lb. The Toyota Highlander tops out at 5,000 lb. The Ford Explorer is rated at 5,600 lb. The Durango SRT at 8,700 lb is in a different class for buyers who need serious towing in a family-capable package.
By the Numbers
2026 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity: Full Trim & Engine Breakdown
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Tow Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 hp) | RWD | 5,000 lb | Entry tow; requires factory tow package |
| GT AWD | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 hp) | AWD | 6,200 lb | AWD adds 1,200 lb vs RWD with same V6 |
| GT (HEMI) | 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) | AWD | 7,200 lb | V8 upgrade available on GT AWD |
| GT Plus AWD | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | AWD | 6,200 lb | Same capacity as GT AWD V6 |
| GT Plus AWD (HEMI) | 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) | AWD | 7,200 lb | V8 available on GT Plus; significant jump |
| GT Premium AWD | 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) | AWD | 7,200 lb | V8 only on Premium; highest luxury finish |
| R/T 392 AWD | 6.4L SRT HEMI V8 (475 hp) | AWD | 8,700 lb | Best performance-per-tow-dollar ratio |
| SRT Hellcat AWD | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (710 hp) | AWD | 8,700 lb | Same tow as R/T 392; engine is the upgrade |
| SRT Hellcat Jailbreak | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (710+ hp) | AWD | 8,700 lb | Higher tune; same tow ceiling as base Hellcat |
All figures require factory-installed tow package. Verify current-cycle specs with Sport Durst CDJR before purchase — specifications may vary. See dealer for complete tow ratings.
In Stock at Sport Durst CDJR Durham
Durango Towing Tiers: Which Engine to Choose
3.6L V6 / AWD
GT AWD
6,200 lb max tow
Best entry point for Triangle-area buyers who need to pull a pontoon or a loaded utility trailer on Jordan Lake weekends. The V6 AWD is the minimum-investment serious tow setup.
5.7L HEMI V8 / AWD
GT / GT Plus / GT Premium HEMI
7,200 lb max tow
The HEMI V8 adds 1,000 lb of towing over the same trim's V6 setup. For a ski boat, a full-size travel trailer, or a loaded car hauler, the 5.7L HEMI is the practical sweet spot between cost and capability.
6.4L SRT HEMI / AWD — Max Tow
R/T 392 AWD
8,700 lb max tow
Best tow-per-dollar in the Durango lineup. The 6.4L SRT HEMI delivers 475 hp and 8,700 lb towing without paying the Hellcat premium. This is the trim for buyers who need the full 8,700 lb and want the best performance value.
Engine Decision Guide
V6 or HEMI V8? The Durango Towing Math
Pick the V6 AWD if:
- You're towing under 6,200 lb consistently
- Trailering a ski boat, small camper, or utility trailer
- Fuel economy matters on non-towing days (V6 AWD: 17/24 MPG vs V8 AWD: 14/22 MPG)
- Budget is the primary constraint
Pick the HEMI V8 if:
- Your trailer is consistently in the 6,500–7,200 lb range
- You tow frequently on I-85 or I-40 grades
- You want reserve capacity over your typical load
- The R/T 392's 8,700 lb and performance are worth the premium
Towing Near Durham, NC
What Triangle-Area Buyers Are Towing
The Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill corridor generates a specific kind of towing buyer. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area — about 20 miles southwest of Durham on US-64 — is one of the most popular boat launch destinations in the Triangle, with multiple ramp access points across the reservoir. A typical pontoon boat on a bunk trailer runs 4,500–5,500 lb; a ski or wake boat with a single-axle trailer sits at 3,500–5,000 lb. Either is well within the GT AWD V6's 6,200 lb rating.
For buyers pulling larger loads — travel trailers on camping trips to the Blue Ridge via US-70 West, horse trailers to Chatham County show grounds, or a dump trailer for RTP contractor work — the HEMI V8 at 7,200 lb or the R/T 392 at 8,700 lb creates the headroom needed for safe margin above the trailer's loaded weight. Trailer weight and cargo weight on the tongue both count toward the 8,700 lb ceiling.
Sport Durst CDJR is on Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, centrally located between I-40 and NC-147, making it an easy stop for buyers across Wake, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties.
Inside the Tow-Ready Durango
Trailer Tow Group: What's Required to Hit the Rated Limit
The 2026 Durango requires the factory Trailer Tow Group to achieve its maximum rated towing capacity on any trim. The package typically includes a Class IV hitch receiver, a 7-pin trailer wiring harness, an upgraded transmission oil cooler, and an engine oil cooler. Without the Trailer Tow Group, the rated capacity is reduced — confirm with our team which packages are installed on any specific in-stock vehicle.
The Durango's 7-inch or 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen includes integrated trailer lighting controls on equipped trims. The backup camera on all trims adds rear visibility during hitching and reversing on narrow boat ramp approaches.
2026 Durango Towing FAQ
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Dodge Durango?
The 2026 Dodge Durango's maximum towing capacity is 8,700 lb, achieved with the 6.4L SRT HEMI V8 (R/T 392 trim) and the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (SRT Hellcat trims). The 5.7L HEMI V8 trims (GT HEMI, GT Plus HEMI, GT Premium) are rated at 7,200 lb. The base 3.6L V6 in AWD configuration is rated at 6,200 lb; in RWD, 5,000 lb. All ratings require the factory Trailer Tow Group.
Does the 2026 Durango GT tow more with AWD than RWD?
Yes. The same 3.6L V6 engine in the Durango GT produces a 5,000 lb tow rating in RWD and a 6,200 lb rating in AWD — a 1,200 lb increase from drivetrain alone. This is a common consideration for buyers who are on the edge of a weight requirement. If your trailer typically loads between 5,000 and 6,200 lb, the AWD configuration is the version to choose within the V6 trims.
Is the 2026 Durango HEMI V8 worth it over the V6 for towing?
For regular towing in the 6,200–7,200 lb range, yes. The 5.7L HEMI V8 adds 1,000 lb of towing capacity over the V6 AWD, produces 360 hp vs 293 hp, and has noticeably more in-gear pull at highway speeds when hauling. Fuel economy penalty is modest (14/22 MPG vs 17/24 MPG). If your trailer is consistently in the 5,500–7,000 lb loaded range, the HEMI V8 provides meaningful headroom and reduced strain on sustained grades like the Blue Ridge approach on US-421.
What's the Durango's payload capacity in addition to towing?
The 2026 Durango's payload capacity varies by trim but is generally in the 1,400–1,700 lb range for V6 trims and similar for V8 trims. Payload and towing are separate capacities — payload covers what's in the vehicle (passengers + cargo), while the tow rating covers the trailer. Both apply simultaneously, and excessive payload reduces effective towing headroom. Confirm the specific GVWR and payload sticker on any in-stock vehicle at Sport Durst CDJR in Durham.
Can I see Durango towing specs at the dealership?
Yes. Every new Durango at Sport Durst CDJR has a door-jamb payload sticker and the window sticker will show the installed towing package. Our team can also pull the factory window sticker for any in-stock unit to confirm which options — including the Trailer Tow Group — are installed. Call (919) 808-4529 or browse our current Durango inventory to find specific in-stock units and their configurations.
Sport Durst CDJR
Durham, NC
4511 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd
Durham, NC 27707
Mon – Sat9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Towing capacity figures are manufacturer-stated for MY2026 Dodge Durango and require factory Trailer Tow Group installation. Actual towing capacity may vary based on vehicle configuration, payload, passengers, cargo, altitude, and road conditions. Always consult the vehicle's door-jamb GVWR sticker and owner's manual before towing. Sport Durst CDJR, 4511 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707 — (919) 873-4578. Verify all specifications at time of purchase.