Shifts in the automotive industry could keep the legendary Hemi V8 alive for at least another year
- Dodge’s V8 will reportedly stay in production for at least one more model year.
- The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is expected to power the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T trim.
- That SUV is supposedly getting an all-new generation starting in the 2027MY.
If there’s one thing that’s crystal clear about Dodge, it’s that fans are fiercely loyal to the Hemi V8. Ever since the last-gen Charger and Challenger bowed out, enthusiasts have been practically begging for its return. Now, a new report suggests that the engine isn’t quite dead yet, as it might stick around for at least one more model year, potentially continuing into 2026.
That wouldn’t be too shocking considering that Ram, Jeep, and Dodge currently offer it in a limited number of models. Ram keeps it alive in some of its heavy-duty pickups, Jeep slots it into the Wrangler Rubicon 392, and Dodge still plants it under the hood of the Durango. Interestingly, it’s the Durango where the Hemi will evidently keep its home in 2026.
More: Rumor Has It That Stellantis Employees Can Lease Charger Daytona For $268 And Wagoneer S For $129
According to Mopar Insiders citing an inside source, the 2026 Dodge Durango will come with at least one Hemi V8 trim, the R/T. Everyone expected the V6 trims to continue but this is the first hint at the V8 remaining for 2026. Keep in mind that Dodge already threw fans a curveball by confirming it would keep building the Durango Hellcat for 2025, so continuing Hemi production for what looks like the final year of the current-generation Durango makes sense.
It’s not hard to see why Dodge might want to keep the Hemi in play a little longer. The Hornet hasn’t popped off the way the brand hoped. The new Charger Daytona isn’t exactly earning glowing reviews, and the gas-powered Charger isn’t available either. The Challenger is officially out of production and consumers are also waiting on the four-door version of the Charger.
Carscoops reached out to Stellantis for confirmation on this rumor, but as of now, there’s been no official comment. Should that change, we’ll update you here.
In the meantime, what do you think? Should Dodge keep the Hemi alive for as long as possible—even in models like the Durango, which has been kicking around since 2010 and is well past its prime? Should the brand finally move on and leave the V8 behind? Or is there a middle ground where Dodge updates the engine for better power and fuel efficiency? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
