*Not actual model
James Dodge - Picking the Right 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 for Busy Families around Algonquin, IL
The sweet spot of power, comfort, and flexibility lives in the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI® V8. For families who run full schedules, this trim combines confident acceleration from a 5.7L HEMI® V8 with smart cabin tech and seating for up to seven. The result is a three-row SUV that tows, passes, and carves through traffic without breaking a sweat, while still offering the day-to-day conveniences you count on—like a power liftgate, split-folding second and third rows, and the ability to switch quickly between people-moving and cargo-hauling.
Underneath, the V8 delivers 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. Properly equipped, towing reaches 7,200 pounds, and the available Tow ’n Go Package can add track-inspired suspension and braking hardware if weekend toys are part of the plan. Inside, the driver-centric cockpit features a 10.1-inch Uconnect® 5 touchscreen with user profiles, voice-activated navigation, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support, and quick access to performance stats on compatible models. Leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and available second-row captain’s chairs bring long-trip comfort, while LED exterior lighting and the signature LED Racetrack Taillamp keep visibility crisp at dawn, dusk, and beyond.
- Power you can feel: 5.7L HEMI® V8 with confident passing power and smooth highway cruising.
- All-weather traction: Standard AWD supports control on wet commutes, gravel pull-offs, and winter roads.
- Tow with confidence: Available Trailer Tow Group IV includes a Class IV hitch and integrated trailer brake controller.
- Family-first flexibility: More than 50 seating configurations and up to 85.1 cubic feet of max cargo space.
- Smart tech, simple use: Uconnect® 5 keeps profiles, apps, and maps one tap away on the 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Safety and security scale with your needs. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection and ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera come ready to help, while available Forward Collision Warning with Full Stop, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, and LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist provide added peace of mind on busy highways. Trailer Sway Control and available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection are invaluable when you’re moving a camper or boat.
Appearance options let you dial the vibe. Choose the Blacktop® Package for gloss-black accents and 20x8-inch Black Noise wheels, or step up to the Blacktop® Redline Package for SRT®-inspired spoilers and available dual stripes. Want a color that turns heads in the school pickup line? Add B5 Blue to your must-see list.
- Confirm your must-haves: seating for six or seven, captain’s chairs, cargo needs.
- Decide your towing plan: occasional utility vs. regular trailering—then add Tow ’n Go if you want maximum confidence.
- Pick your look: standard, Blacktop®, or Blacktop® Redline, plus wheels and stripes.
- Map your tech: navigation, audio upgrades, and connected services for every driver in the household.
When it’s time for a test drive, plan a loop that includes a highway merge, a couple of tight turns, and a quick stop on a bumpy street to feel the suspension and brake tuning at work. The GT Plus AWD HEMI® V8 has an easygoing rhythm in traffic yet feels eager on open stretches—exactly the balance busy families appreciate.
James Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, serving Algonquin, Hampshire, and Huntley, is ready to help you compare seating layouts, towing packages, and appearance options side by side so that your build supports every part of your week. From carpool mornings to lake weekends, the GT Plus AWD HEMI® V8 brings the kind of strength and comfort that never feels like a compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the GT Plus AWD HEMI® V8 tow as confidently as it drives daily?
Yes—properly equipped, it tows up to 7,200 pounds, with Trailer Sway Control and an available integrated trailer brake controller to support stable, predictable hauling.
What are the key differences between GT Plus AWD HEMI® V8 and GT Plus AWD V6?
The HEMI® V8 adds 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque for stronger passing power and towing. Both seat up to seven and share a similar feature set, but the V8 trim unlocks Tow ’n Go and Blacktop® Redline compatibility.
Can I get sportier styling on this trim?
Yes—Blacktop® adds gloss-black accents and 20x8-inch Black Noise wheels. Blacktop® Redline further adds SRT® spoilers and available dual stripes for a more aggressive, motorsport-inspired look.
Which safety upgrades are most popular with families?
Many choose Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Forward Collision Warning with Full Stop, and LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, in addition to standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection.