2026 Dodge Durango GT: Manahawkin Buyers Guide

Two engines under one trim name

GT is really two different vehicles depending on which box you check. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 makes 295 hp and 260 lb-ft, runs on regular gas, and is the pick for buyers who mostly want a comfortable seven-seater with a manageable fuel bill - Dodge quotes it around 18 city, 25 highway in RWD form. Step up to the optional 5.7L HEMI V8 and you get 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, standard AWD, and a noticeably stronger tow rating, but mileage drops to roughly 14 city, 21 highway and midgrade fuel is recommended. Both use the same 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic. If towing matters to you, ask about the Tow N Go package on the HEMI V8 - base towing on that configuration is around 7,200 lbs, and Tow N Go raises it to about 8,700 lbs, which is enough for a mid-size boat or a loaded utility trailer.

What you get standard

Every GT rides on the refreshed cabin electronics: a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully digital gauge cluster, LED lighting, and a ParkSense/ParkView setup that makes tight parking at the beach a lot less stressful. Seating comes standard as a 2/3/2 seven-passenger bench, with 2/2/2 captain's-chair and 2/3/0 two-row layouts available for buyers who want more elbow room or more cargo space instead of a third row. Cargo capacity runs from around 17 cubic feet behind the third row up to roughly 85 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, which covers a weekend beach-house run without much thought.

Who the GT is actually for

If your Durango shopping list reads "seats seven, tows the boat, doesn't need a spoiler," GT is the whole conversation. It is the trim buyers cross-shop against a Ford Explorer or a Jeep Grand Cherokee L, not against a Charger. The V6 makes the most financial sense for daily-driver families; the V8 makes more sense if towing is a real, regular part of your life rather than an occasional favor for a neighbor.

What local GT buyers are saying

Allison S. traded in an older Durango for a newer one without her payment going up: "My husband and I went in looking to trade in our 2014 Dodge Durango and upgrade to a newer model, without increasing our monthly payments. A tall order by any means, yet they made it happen. Ken Calicchio was professional, friendly, efficient and a pleasure to deal with." Dennis R. drove well past closer options to buy here: "I found the exact Durango I was looking for on their website... I had been to numerous other dealerships with very disappointing results and drove over 70 miles to buy my vehicle at Manahawkin." Both deals closed with the same no-pressure approach the store's 4.7-star average across 2,000+ Google reviews reflects.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the GT V6 and GT HEMI V8?

The V6 (295 hp) is standard, comes in RWD or AWD, and returns better fuel economy on regular gas. The optional 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) comes with standard AWD, tows more, and asks for midgrade fuel - it's the pick if towing capacity matters more than the fuel bill.

How much does a 2026 Durango GT cost?

GT starts at $38,995 MSRP for the V6 in RWD; AWD adds $2,000. The GT HEMI V8 starts around $43,675 MSRP with AWD standard. Both figures exclude the $1,995 destination charge and New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax.

Does the GT come with all-wheel drive?

AWD is optional on the V6 GT for $2,000 and standard on the GT HEMI V8. RWD is the standard drivetrain only on the base V6 configuration.

Can the GT tow a boat?

The V8 GT configuration is the one built for it - roughly 7,200 lbs base, or about 8,700 lbs with the optional Tow N Go package. The V6 GT is rated lower and is better suited to light-duty towing than a full-size boat.

Where can I see a 2026 Durango GT in Manahawkin?

At Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 188 Route 72. Current new vehicle specials are posted online, and the full 2026 Durango lineup can be compared in person.