No Longer Banned: Dodge’s 710-HP Hellcat SUV Outsmarts California Regulators

Dodge’s Supercharged SUV Clears Final Emissions Roadblock

The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is poised to earn full 50-state certification, ending years of regional restrictions caused by emissions regulations. According to internal dealer documentation, Dodge anticipates final approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) by December 2025, paving the way for sales in California, New York, and other CARB-aligned states for the first time.

This development represents a major regulatory victory for Dodge as it navigates increasingly strict emissions standards nationwide. Once certified, the brand plans to offer both the Durango SRT Hellcat and the Hellcat Jailbreak across all U.S. markets—the latter adding deeper personalization through Dodge’s factory customization program.

HEMI Power Across the Board for 2026

During the 2025 Roadkill Nights event in Pontiac, Michigan, Dodge confirmed that every retail version of the 2026 Durango will feature a HEMI V8 engine. The long-serving Pentastar V6 will remain available only for fleet and government use, while the new GT HEMI AWD introduces a 5.7-liter V8 as the most affordable all-wheel-drive V8 SUV in the country, starting at $42,495 before destination fees.

Climbing the trim ladder, the Durango R/T 392 delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from its 6.4-liter HEMI and now comes standard with the Tow N’ Go package. At the top sits the returning Durango SRT Hellcat, packing 710 horsepower from its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and starting at $79,995—reaffirming its position as one of the most powerful three-row SUVs on sale today.

Overcoming CARB Barriers

Earlier order sheets had labeled both the Durango R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat as “FED states only,” effectively blocking them from CARB-regulated regions such as California, Massachusetts, and Washington. At the time, Dodge officials said they were exploring ways to bring the entire V8 lineup to those markets.

That effort now seems to be paying off. Fresh internal communications indicate that CARB approval is entering its final stage, setting up full national availability across all three V8 trims. If finalized, it will mark the first time since the Durango Hellcat’s relaunch that buyers in all 50 states can order one through their local Dodge dealer.

Old-School Muscle Meets Modern Rules

While much of the auto industry pivots toward hybrid and electric drivetrains, Dodge’s push for nationwide approval of its supercharged SUV underscores its ongoing commitment to traditional muscle. The Durango SRT Hellcat’s expected certification sends a clear message: even in an era of tightening emissions rules, there’s still room for big displacement and unapologetic performance.