Dodge Durango trim comparison
2026 Dodge Durango GT vs GT Plus HEMI V8
The Durango GT starts at $38,995 while the GT Plus HEMI V8 is $47,275. That $8,280 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The GT Plus HEMI V8 gets the 5.7L V8 and AWD, so the $8,280 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the GT if the 3.6L V6 with RWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the GT Plus HEMI V8 only when the 5.7L V8 and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the GT to the GT Plus HEMI V8 is about $145/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $8,700 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 and GT Plus HEMI V8 share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $8,280 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,380 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. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | GT | GT Plus HEMI V8 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $38,995 | $47,275 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.6L V6 | 5.7L V8 |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 360 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 14 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 21 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 16 |
| Fuel Tank | 24.6 gal | 24.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,200/yr | $3,300/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,875 lbs | No published data |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 119.8" |
| Length | 200.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 75.8" | 75.8" |
| Height | 72.1" | 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 vs GT Plus HEMI V8 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 HEMI V8 cost than the GT?
The GT Plus HEMI V8 starts at $47,275 compared to $38,995 for the GT. That is a $8,280 difference, or approximately $145/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Dodge Durango GT and GT Plus HEMI V8 have the same engine?
No. The GT uses a 3.6L V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft), while the GT Plus HEMI V8 has the 5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft). That is 65 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2026 Durango GT come with AWD?
No. The GT comes standard with RWD while the GT Plus HEMI V8 has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 Durango GT or GT Plus HEMI V8 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 and GT Plus HEMI V8, 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 HEMI V8 worth $8,280 more than the GT?
The GT Plus HEMI V8 changes both the engine and drivetrain for $8,280 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 Dodge Durango trim gets better fuel economy, the GT or the GT Plus HEMI V8?
The GT 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 $8,280 Gets You
The Durango GT Plus HEMI V8 is a clear upgrade over the GT. The $8,280 price increase gets you the 5.7L V8 engine (+65 hp) and AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
GT vs. GT Plus HEMI V8: Day-to-Day
The GT Plus HEMI V8 comes with the 5.7L V8 instead of the GT's 3.6L V6. That means 65 more horsepower and 130 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 4 fewer combined MPG. The GT Plus HEMI V8 includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Durango GT 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
$8,280 more for the Durango GT Plus HEMI V8 gets you 6 real differences. At $145/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
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the GT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Dodge Durango GT Plus HEMI V8
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the GT Plus HEMI V8 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 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.