Dodge Durango trim comparison
2026 Dodge Durango GT HEMI V8 vs GT Plus America250 Edition
The Durango GT HEMI V8 starts at $43,675 while the GT Plus America250 Edition is $49,590. That $5,915 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 5.7L V8 to 3.6L V6. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the GT HEMI V8 if the 5.7L V8 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the GT Plus America250 Edition only when the 3.6L V6 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the GT HEMI V8 to the GT Plus America250 Edition is about $104/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $6,240 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the GT HEMI V8 and GT Plus America250 Edition share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,915 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,183 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | GT HEMI V8 | GT Plus America250 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $43,675 | $49,590 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 5.7L V8 | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 14 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 21 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 16 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 24.6 gal | 24.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $3,300/yr | $2,200/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 4,986 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 119.8" |
| Length | 200.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 75.8" | 75.8" |
| Height | 72.9" | 72.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Dodge Durango GT HEMI V8 vs GT Plus America250 Edition Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Dodge Durango lineup, the Dodge brand hub, the Full-Size SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Durango GT Plus America250 Edition cost than the GT HEMI V8?
The GT Plus America250 Edition starts at $49,590 compared to $43,675 for the GT HEMI V8. That is a $5,915 difference, or approximately $104/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Dodge Durango GT HEMI V8 and GT Plus America250 Edition have the same engine?
No. The GT HEMI V8 uses a 5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft), while the GT Plus America250 Edition has the 3.6L V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2026 Durango GT HEMI V8 and GT Plus America250 Edition have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 Durango GT HEMI V8 or GT Plus America250 Edition safer?
Both share the same Dodge Durango platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Dodge Durango come with?
All 2026 Dodge Durango trims, including both the GT HEMI V8 and GT Plus America250 Edition, come with Dodge's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus America250 Edition worth $5,915 more than the GT HEMI V8?
The $5,915 buys the 3.6L V6. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the GT HEMI V8 does the same job for less.
Which 2026 Dodge Durango trim gets better fuel economy, the GT HEMI V8 or the GT Plus America250 Edition?
The GT Plus America250 Edition is the more efficient of the two at 20 combined MPG, versus 16 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $5,915 Gets You
The Durango GT Plus America250 Edition is a clear upgrade over the GT HEMI V8. The $5,915 price increase gets you the 3.6L V6 engine (+-65 hp) -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
GT HEMI V8 vs. GT Plus America250 Edition: Day-to-Day
The GT Plus America250 Edition comes with the 3.6L V6 instead of the GT HEMI V8's 5.7L V8. That means -65 more horsepower and -130 more lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Durango GT Plus America250 Edition gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $525 per year or $2,625 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$5,915 more for the Durango GT Plus America250 Edition gets you 5 real differences. At $104/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Dodge Durango GT HEMI V8
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the GT HEMI V8 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Dodge Durango GT Plus America250 Edition
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the GT Plus America250 Edition when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Dodge or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-07-11. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.