Most three-row family SUVs top out at 5,000 to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity. The 2026 Dodge Durango goes to 8,700 pounds, a confirmed, best-in-class towing number from Dodge's official performance page. That Durango 8,700-lb towing gives it one of the strongest towing ratings in the three-row SUV segment.
But what does 8,700 pounds actually mean for a family who needs to tow a boat, pull a camper to the Poconos, or haul a utility trailer on weekends? Here's the practical breakdown.
What is the 2026 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity?
The Durango's towing figures vary by engine and package. Understanding the difference matters before you buy.
For 2026, the 5.7L HEMI V8 is standard on Durango GT HEMI V8 models, while the 3.6L Pentastar V6 remains standard on GT and GT Plus.
The 8,700-lb maximum towing capacity is achieved with the Tow 'n Go Package, available on all HEMI V8 Durango models. Durango Tow ’n Go includes Class IV trailer hitch hardware, integrated trailer brake control, electronic limited-slip rear axle, Bilstein active-damping performance suspension, performance exhaust, configurable drive modes, and other performance equipment.
What Can 8,700 Pounds Actually Tow?
Recreational boats
The Durango comfortably handles pontoon boats, cabin cruisers, and larger recreational boats that exceed the capacity of most three-row SUVs. For comparison, the Dodge lists the 8,700 lbs of best-in-class available Durango HEMI towing capacity in its defined segment, the Toyota Highlander at 5,000 lbs, and the Ford Explorer at 5,000 lbs. The Durango's 8,700 lbs is a genuine capability gap, not a marginal difference, for families with larger boats.
Campers and travel trailers
A standard pop-up camper, a lightweight travel trailer, and most mid-size travel trailers all fall within the Durango's range. Families who upgrade to a larger trailer over time have significant headroom before hitting the Durango's ceiling.
Utility trailers
Enclosed cargo trailers, car haulers, and heavy equipment trailers used for weekend projects or small business needs are all well within range on a properly equipped Durango.
Which Engine Makes Sense for Your Towing Needs?
The 2026 Durango offers four engine options across the lineup:
3.6L Pentastar® V6 - 295 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque
Standard on the base GT and GT Plus trims. Towing capacity is up to 6,200 lbs when properly equipped, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The entry point for buyers who don't need maximum towing capability and want a lower purchase price.
5.7L HEMI® V8 - 360 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque
The 5.7L HEMI V8 is standard on Durango GT HEMI V8 models. The towing workhorse: 8,700 lbs with Tow 'n Go, EPA-estimated at 14 MPG city / 21 MPG highway with AWD. For families who tow regularly without needing maximum performance elsewhere, this engine covers every practical scenario at the most accessible price point.
6.4L HEMI® V8 - 475 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque
Standard on the R/T 392. A significant step up, 32% more horsepower over the previous R/T, a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, and standard Brembo six-piston front brakes. Towing capacity is identical to the 5.7L with Tow 'n Go at 8,700 lbs, but the powertrain handles maximum loads with far more reserve. Fuel economy is lower than the 5.7L.
6.2L Supercharged HEMI® V8 - 710 hp, 645 lb-ft of torque
SRT Hellcat only. The most powerful three-row SUV available, with an 8,700-lb towing rating and a 3.5-second 0-60 time. Built for buyers who want every capability the Durango offers simultaneously.
Three Rows and 8,700 Pounds: What You're Trading Off
The Durango's towing capability comes with real considerations.
Fuel economy
The 5.7L HEMI V8 AWD is EPA-estimated at 14 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. For families using the Durango as both a daily commuter and a weekend tow rig, fuel costs are meaningfully higher than crossover-based alternatives. That's the honest trade-off for class-leading towing in a three-row package.
Size
The Durango's size and proportions are closer to a truck-based SUV than a typical crossover. It handles tight parking and dense suburban streets differently than a Highlander or Explorer. Worth experiencing on a test drive before committing, especially for daily use in areas like Avenel or Elizabeth where parking density is high.
Seating and cargo
The Durango seats up to seven passengers with three rows. Maximum cargo volume reaches 85.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, enough for camping gear, sports equipment, or a weekend's worth of supplies alongside your trailer hitch.
Visit Sansone Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Avenel, NJ
Sansone Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, located at 90-100 Route 1, Woodbridge, NJ 07001, serves Avenel and surrounding communities; check the latest inventory to see what's currently in stock before your visit. If you want to talk through which engine and package combination makes sense for your towing needs, our team can help narrow it down. For Durango owners needing service after a season of towing, our Dodge Service Center in Avenel handles all Durango maintenance with certified technicians.
FAQs
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Dodge Durango?
The 2026 Durango can tow up to 8,700 lbs when properly equipped with the Tow 'n Go Package on a HEMI® V8 model, best-in-class towing for a three-row SUV per Dodge's official performance page.
What is included in the Dodge Durango Tow 'n Go Package?
The Tow 'n Go Package includes a trailer hitch, tow wiring harness, integrated trailer brake controller, and a 3.09 rear axle ratio, the combination that enables the Durango to reach its 8,700-lb maximum rating.
What engines does the 2026 Dodge Durango come with?
The 2026 Durango offers four engines: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp) on base GT and GT Plus trims, a 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) on GT HEMI V8 trims, a 6.4L HEMI V8 (475 hp) on the R/T 392, and a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 (710 hp) on the SRT Hellcat.
How does the Durango's towing capacity compare to other three-row SUVs?
The Grand Cherokee is rated at 6,200 lbs, the Toyota Highlander at 5,000 lbs, and the Ford Explorer at 5,000 lbs. The Durango's 8,700-lb maximum is a meaningful gap for families who tow larger boats or trailers.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Dodge Durango near Avenel, NJ?
Sansone Chrysler Jeep Dodge is located at 90-100 Route 1, Woodbridge, NJ 07001. Call the dealership to schedule a test drive and confirm Tow ‘n Go Package availability.
