Dodge has confirmed it will not sell the Durango 392 and Durango Hellcat in states that follow California Air Resources Board emissions standards, restricting two of the most powerful versions of its three-row SUV from a significant portion of the US market.
The decision is driven by the stringent emissions requirements imposed by CARB-compliant states, which include California and more than a dozen others that have adopted its standards. The high-output 6.4-liter and supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engines powering those variants cannot meet the emissions thresholds required for sale in those markets without modifications that Dodge has determined are not cost-effective.
For buyers in CARB states who want a powerful Durango, the remaining option is the standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which produces significantly less horsepower than the 392 or Hellcat but does meet the applicable emissions standards. The 3.6-liter V6 remains available as well.
This is not the first time Dodge has withheld high-performance variants from certain markets. The brand has a history of limiting specific configurations to non-CARB states when the engineering investment required to achieve compliance does not align with projected sales volume in those markets.
Enthusiast communities in affected states reacted with frustration, particularly in California where performance car culture runs deep despite the state’s regulatory environment. Some buyers in CARB states have historically sought workarounds by purchasing vehicles in non-CARB states and registering them elsewhere, though this practice carries legal risks and complications.
Dodge said the decision was made in response to the current regulatory landscape and does not reflect a permanent position on the Durango’s future lineup. As emissions standards evolve and powertrain technology changes, the availability of specific configurations in various markets may change.