2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8: Bold Power for Families
The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 is the right choice for families who need genuine three-row space, a powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 engine rated at 360 horsepower, and all-wheel drive confidence — all in one SUV priced at $53,488 MSRP. Fuel economy comes in at 14 city / 21 highway MPG. Rivals like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse offer competitive space, but neither matches the Durango’s V8 muscle paired with family-hauling practicality at this price point.
How Much Does the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 Cost to Own in Junction City?
The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 carries an MSRP of $53,488— and Valor CDJR currently has one in stock at that exact price, no guesswork required. Stock number 26DT83 is a new unit with just 15 miles on it, finished in striking Octane Red Pearlcoat with a black leather interior, and it arrives loaded with several meaningful factory packages already bundled in.
Understanding what is included in that sticker price matters for Junction City families comparing options. This specific Durango comes equipped with the Quick Order Package 22T GT Plus, the Blacktop Package, the MOPAR All Weather Package, and the Tow ‘n Go Package— a combination that adds genuine capability and protection beyond a base configuration. The Uconnect 5 Nav with 10.1-inch Display Radio is also included, along with a MyFlexCare Service Plan, which helps working families budget maintenance costs over time.
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Specification
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Detail
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MSRP
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$53,488
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Stock Number
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26DT83
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VIN
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1C4SDJCT0TC234957
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Condition
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New · 15 miles
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Exterior Color
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Octane Red Pearlcoat
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Interior
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Black (Leather front seat upholstery)
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Fuel Economy
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14 city / 21 highway MPG
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Engine
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HEMI 5.7L V8 VVT with cylinder deactivation
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Horsepower
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360 HP
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Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
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Drivetrain
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All Wheel Drive
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For families near Fort Riley balancing a household budget in the $50K–$90K income range, the Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 represents a clear value proposition: V8 power, three-row seating, AWD traction, and a full suite of packages — all from a single transparent sticker price. The included MyFlexCare Service Plan adds further peace of mind by helping owners plan for scheduled maintenance from day one. Fuel costs are worth factoring in at 14 MPG city and 21 MPG highway, but for families who prioritize capability and comfort over maximum efficiency, the HEMI V8 delivers an experience no turbocharged four-cylinder can replicate.
Durango's Bold Look for Neighborhoods and Outdoor Adventures
Octane Red Pearlcoat does not blend into the background — and that is exactly the point. The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 in stock at Valor CDJR wears this deep, rich red with a confidence that turns heads whether you are parked along Junction City’s historic downtown streets or loading up for a weekend at Milford Lake.
The Durango’s exterior design language is muscular and purposeful. Its wide stance, sculpted hood, and bold front fascia communicate performance intent before the engine even fires. The Blacktop Package adds darkened exterior accents that sharpen the GT Plus’s athletic presence, creating a cohesive blacked-out aesthetic that contrasts beautifully against the Octane Red Pearlcoat finish. The result is an SUV that looks at home on rural Riley County roads just as naturally as it does pulling into a school parking lot or a community event.
Wheel and tire fitment on this unit runs 295/45ZR20 BSW All-Season tires — a wide, performance-oriented size that fills the wheel wells aggressively and contributes to the Durango’s planted, confident road presence. These are not small, timid tires. They communicate that this vehicle is ready for whatever the week demands, from the rolling plains terrain outside Manhattan to the gravel access roads near local lakes.
The MOPAR All Weather Package rounds out the exterior story practically, protecting the interior from the mud, water, and debris that come with an active Kansas lifestyle. Families who spend weekends fishing, hiking, or attending outdoor community events will appreciate having factory-grade weather protection built in from the start.
Power and Control with the GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 Engine
Three hundred sixty horsepower. That is the number that separates the Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 from most three-row family SUVs on the market today, and it comes from one of the most proven engines in the Dodge lineup: the 5.7L HEMI V8 with VVT variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation.
The HEMI name carries genuine meaning here. Variable valve timing optimizes power delivery across the RPM range, so the engine pulls strongly whether you are merging onto the highway from Junction City or climbing the gently rolling grades of the Flint Hills. Cylinder deactivation — which allows the engine to run on four cylinders during light-load cruising — helps moderate fuel consumption without sacrificing the V8 character that makes the Durango feel so capable.
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Powertrain Specification
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Detail
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Engine
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5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT
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Horsepower
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360 HP
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Fuel Type
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Regular Unleaded
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Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
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Drivetrain
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All Wheel Drive
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Rear Axle Ratio
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3.09
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GVWR
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7,100 lbs
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Fuel Economy — City
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14 MPG
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Fuel Economy — Highway
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21 MPG
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The 8-speed automatic transmission pairs naturally with the HEMI’s broad torque curve, finding the right gear quickly and smoothly whether you are accelerating from a school zone or cruising at highway speed. The 3.09 rear axle ratio is calibrated for a balance of everyday drivability and towing capability, and with a GVWR of 7,100 lbs, this Durango is equipped for serious hauling duties.
The Tow ‘n Go Package included on this specific vehicle extends the Durango’s capability further, adding trailer-focused equipment that makes it genuinely useful for families who tow boats, campers, or utility trailers to Milford Lake or across Riley County. All-wheel drive delivers confident traction on wet roads, gravel surfaces, and the unpredictable Kansas weather that rolls through Geary County each spring and fall.
For drivers who have spent time in V6-powered crossovers and want to step up to something with real authority on the road, the HEMI V8 Durango is a meaningful upgrade — one that is felt every time you need to pass, merge, or tow.
Family Space Designed for Weekends and Drives
A military spouse loading camping gear, fishing rods, and three kids into an SUV needs more than good intentions from a cargo area — she needs actual room. The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 delivers three rows of seating in a body that is purpose-built for exactly this kind of real-world family use.
The Durango’s cabin is designed around the reality of how families actually travel. Front seats are upholstered in black leather, offering both comfort and durability — qualities that matter when the vehicle doubles as a daily driver and a weekend adventure rig. The leather surfaces clean up easily after lake days and trail hikes, which is a practical consideration that families near Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek State Park will appreciate immediately.
Three-point seatbelts are fitted throughout, including at the rear center position, so all passengers ride safely regardless of seating row. The inclusion of three 12V power outlets and a 115V auxiliary power outlet means devices stay charged across all rows during longer drives — a detail that matters on family road trips and weekend escapes to Konza Prairie or the Flint Hills.
The MOPAR All Weather Package protects the interior surfaces from the mud, water, and debris that come with an active outdoor lifestyle, keeping the cabin in good condition through Kansas seasons. Cargo flexibility behind the third row gives families room for gear, groceries, and everything in between, while the Durango’s overall dimensions provide enough interior volume to make three-row travel genuinely comfortable rather than cramped.
For families comparing the Durango to competitors like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse, the Durango’s wider body translates to a noticeably more spacious feel in the third row — a real differentiator for families who regularly carry a full load of passengers.
Connected Driving Between Kansas State and Downtown with Durango's Tech
The 2026 Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 comes equipped with the Uconnect 5 Nav with 10.1-inch Display Radio — Dodge’s most advanced infotainment platform, and one of the most intuitive systems in the three-row SUV segment.
At 10.1 inches, the display is large enough to see clearly at a glance without taking your eyes off the road. The Uconnect 5 system is built on a faster processor than previous generations, which means menus respond quickly and navigation recalculates without the lag that frustrated users of older systems. For a professor commuting between Kansas State University and a Junction City home, or a small business owner running between appointments across Geary County, a responsive navigation system is not a luxury — it is a daily necessity.
Smartphone integration brings both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity into the Durango’s ecosystem, so drivers can mirror their phone’s maps, music, and messaging apps directly on the 10.1-inch screen. This keeps the experience familiar regardless of which device you carry. Voice commands allow hands-free control of navigation, phone calls, and audio, which supports safer driving in school zones and busy community areas.
The 115V auxiliary power outlet alongside the multiple 12V ports means the Durango functions as a mobile power station — useful for families heading to outdoor events, weekend lake trips, or community gatherings where charging access is limited. The 160 MPH primary speedometer is a small detail, but it speaks to the performance character that runs through every aspect of this vehicle’s design.
For buyers who rely on staying connected during the drive — whether navigating Fort Riley’s installation roads or finding parking during the Junction City Freedom Festival — the Uconnect 5 system delivers a genuinely modern, easy-to-use experience.
Keeping Your Family Safe Every Day with Advanced Driver Assistance
Safety is not an afterthought in the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 — it is built into the vehicle’s structure and its driver assistance systems from the ground up. For families navigating busy school zones, community events, and the mix of highway and rural road driving that defines daily life in Geary County, that matters.
The Durango’s body structure is engineered with occupant protection as a core priority. Three-point seatbelts are standard across all seating positions, including the rear center seat — ensuring that every passenger in all three rows travels with proper restraint. This is a meaningful detail for families who regularly carry a full vehicle of passengers.
All-wheel drive itself contributes to active safety. By continuously distributing power to the wheels with the most traction, AWD helps the Durango maintain stability on wet Kansas roads, gravel surfaces, and the unpredictable conditions that come with spring storms across the plains. Drivers who have experienced the difference between a two-wheel-drive SUV and an AWD system on a slick road understand why this matters for daily family driving.
The 50 State Emissions compliance confirms that this vehicle meets the most stringent environmental standards in the country, which is relevant for buyers who plan to relocate — a common consideration for military families at Fort Riley who may transfer to other states during their service.
The Durango’s size and mass also contribute to occupant confidence. At a GVWR of 7,100 lbs, this is a substantial vehicle that provides meaningful structural protection in the event of a collision. For parents transporting children to school, sporting events, or community activities throughout Junction City, that combination of active and passive safety measures provides genuine peace of mind on every drive.
Breaking Down 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 Pricing and Trims
The GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 is the trim level in focus here, and it represents a well-equipped position in the Durango lineup — bringing together performance, technology, and comfort features that would cost significantly more if purchased à la carte. The MSRP of $53,488 reflects a vehicle that arrives with several substantive factory packages already included.
Breaking down what those packages actually deliver helps buyers understand the real value on the sticker. The Quick Order Package 22T GT Plus establishes the GT Plus’s core feature set, building on the GT foundation with additional comfort and convenience content. The Blacktop Package adds darkened exterior styling elements that give the GT Plus a more aggressive, premium appearance. The Tow ‘n Go Package adds trailer-ready capability, making this Durango genuinely useful for families who tow recreational equipment. The MOPAR All Weather Package protects interior surfaces with all-weather floor protection designed for Kansas conditions.
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Included Package
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Primary Benefit
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Quick Order Package 22T GT Plus
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Core GT Plus feature content
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Blacktop Package
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Darkened exterior accents and styling
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Tow ‘n Go Package
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Trailer-ready towing equipment
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MOPAR All Weather Package
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Interior surface protection
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MyFlexCare Service Plan
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Scheduled maintenance budgeting
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Uconnect 5 Nav with 10.1-inch Display
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Navigation and infotainment
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The MyFlexCare Service Plan is a practical ownership benefit that helps families plan for maintenance costs rather than face them as surprises. For working households managing a budget near Fort Riley, predictable service costs are a real advantage.
Buyers cross-shopping the Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 against competitors like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse should account for the full package content when comparing sticker prices. A similarly equipped Explorer or Traverse with comparable powertrain output and package content often lands at a comparable or higher price point — making the Durango’s value proposition stronger than a headline number comparison suggests.
Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Options Tailored for Durango Owners
Dodge backs the 2026 Durango with a manufacturer’s warranty — contact Valor CDJR directly for the specific coverage terms applicable to your purchase, as warranty details can vary based on configuration and any included service plans. What is confirmed on this specific vehicle is the inclusion of a MyFlexCare Service Plan, which helps owners schedule and budget for routine maintenance from the moment they drive off the lot.
Keeping a HEMI V8 running at its best requires consistent, quality maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, and periodic inspections that protect the engine and drivetrain over the long term. The team at Valor CDJR is equipped to handle all of it, with factory-trained technicians who know the Durango’s systems thoroughly. When it is time to schedule your next service visit, you can book a service appointment online quickly and conveniently, keeping your Durango ready for whatever the week brings.
For military families at Fort Riley who depend on their vehicle for daily reliability — and who cannot afford unexpected downtime — having a trusted local dealership for service is as important as the vehicle itself. Valor CDJR’s service team understands that reality and is committed to keeping your Durango performing at its best through every Kansas season. Exclusive service support for military personnel and local community members reflects the dealership’s genuine investment in the Junction City community it serves.
2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 Buyer Questions Answered for Families
Q: What is the fuel economy on the 2026 Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8?
The EPA-rated fuel economy for this vehicle is 14 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. The 5.7L HEMI V8 uses cylinder deactivation technology to help moderate fuel consumption during light-load highway cruising by temporarily running on four cylinders. Buyers who prioritize maximum fuel efficiency may want to weigh that against the V8’s 360 horsepower output and towing capability — for many families, the performance and capability trade-off is well worth it.
Q: Does the Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 have enough cargo and passenger space for a family of five or six?
The Durango is a genuine three-row SUV, seating up to seven or eight passengers depending on second-row configuration. The GT Plus’s black leather front seats are paired with functional second and third rows, and the cargo area behind the third row provides room for gear, groceries, and family equipment. The MOPAR All Weather Package protects interior surfaces, which is practical for families who regularly load and unload after outdoor activities.
Q: What towing capability does the Tow 'n Go Package add to this Durango?
The Tow ‘n Go Package is included on stock number 26DT83 and adds trailer-ready equipment that enhances the Durango’s towing setup beyond the standard configuration. Combined with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and the 3.09 rear axle ratio, this Durango is well-equipped for towing boats, campers, or utility trailers. Contact Valor CDJR for specific tow rating details.
Q: Is there a Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 in stock right now at Valor CDJR?
Experience the 2026 Durango GT Plus AWD HEMI V8 at Valor CDJR
Serving Junction City, Manhattan, and Riley County with clear vehicle pricing and exceptional vehicle service.