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And you thought that the legendary Hemi engine was dead after this year. It isn’t. Though Dodge is killing off the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi V8s in its Challenger and Charger models, there is one more model you will still be able to get. At least through 2024. 

Dodge Durango
2023 Dodge Durango SUV | Stellantis

Dodge has been advertising its “Last Call” models of the Challenger and Charger as a sendoff for the storied Hemi engine. Its Challenger SRT Demon 170, the supposed last of the last, debuted earlier this week. So by Last Call, that tells us that’s the end. Last, end, get it? 

But the Dodge Durango SUV will still have the option when it returns in 2024, and maybe beyond that. But Tim Kuniskis, head honcho at Dodge, told Motor Authority at the Challenger 170 unveiling that at least through 2024 the Durango keeps the Hemi. He’s not saying beyond 2024, but that is only because those in the know can’t reveal future model information.

Dodge Durango
2023 Dodge Durango SUV | Stellantis

Recently, Dodge has been hyping its all-new GME-T6 Hurricane straight-six engine. It will be one of the main pushes at its annual Roadkill Nights event in Detroit. If the next Charger and Challenger, which we know will be electrified, are to have gas-powered engines, it will be the Hurricane six. 

As for the Durango SUV, Dodge will continue to offer either the 5.7-liter Hemi or 6.4-liter 392 Hemi for SRT Durangos. What won’t be available after this year is the Durango Hellcat. It is, once again, a one-year-only model, as it was meant to be when it debuted in 2021. 

Dodge is working on a Durango replacement, though the timing isn’t known. What is, though, is that it will be based on the current Jeep Wagoneer. That means it will be larger, and have the Wagoneer’s body-on-frame platform. So this looks to be a direct salvo to the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition. 

Durango Hellcat
2023 Dodge Durango Hellcat | Stellantis

The current Durango architecture debuted in 2011, so it, as with its Charger and Challenger siblings, has seen quite a number of years of production. It shares the same architecture as the fourth-generation WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Durango has been facelifted twice, once in 2014 and again in 2021. And it has seen yearly updates to freshen up the rather dated platform. 

Since its debut in 1997, Dodge has sold over two million Durango SUVs. It has consistently sold between 55,000 and 65,000 units per year since 2014. 

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Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.