The 2026 Dodge Durango remains an unusual proposition among 3-row SUVs. It can seat up to 7 passengers, carry 85.1 cu. ft. of cargo with the rear seats folded, and, properly equipped, tow as much as 8,700 lbs. More unusually, it still offers a choice of naturally aspirated V8 engines, plus the Supercharged SRT® Hellcat at the top of the range. For boat owners around Sallisaw, that combination is particularly useful. A trip to Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Lake Eufaula, or Wister Lake requires space for people and equipment, but it also requires enough towing capacity to deal properly with the boat and trailer behind you. The Engine Determines How Much Boat You Can Bring Durango towing capacity changes substantially according to powertrain. The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 produces 295 hp and 260 lbs. ft. of torque and can tow up to 6,200 lbs. when properly equipped, which may be entirely sufficient for lighter boats and trailers. The available 5.7L HEMI® V8 produces 360 hp and 390 lbs. ft. of torque, increasing maximum towing capacity to 7,200 lbs. R/T 392 moves to a 6.4L HEMI® V8 with 475 hp and 470 lbs. ft. of torque and can tow up to 8,700 lbs. properly equipped. The useful part is the progression: buyers can match the Durango to the trailer instead of buying the largest engine simply because it's there. SRT Hellcat Is the Rather Extraordinary Towing Option Then there's the Durango SRT® Hellcat, a family SUV with a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lbs. ft. of torque. That sounds like the beginning of a discussion about performance rather than boats, yet the SRT® Hellcat can also tow up to 8,700 lbs. when properly equipped, matching the R/T 392's maximum rating. Trailer Sway Control can detect certain unwanted trailer movements and apply braking intervention to help stabilize the combination. Available trailering equipment also includes an integrated trailer brake controller for compatible trailers. The Hellcat's output is spectacular, but towing still depends on correct vehicle configuration, trailer loading, hitch equipment, and staying within the relevant ratings. The Family and the Fishing Gear Can Come Too A useful tow vehicle needs to accommodate what goes inside as well as what follows behind. Durango can seat up to 7 passengers, while available 2nd-row captain's chairs create a 6-passenger arrangement with easier access to the 3rd row. There's 17.2 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the 3rd row, 43.3 cu. ft. with that row folded, and 85.1 cu. ft. behind the front seats. That flexibility is valuable on lake trips, where coolers, tackle boxes, life jackets, bags, and other equipment tend to multiply rapidly. Durango lets owners combine substantial towing ability with enclosed cargo space rather than putting everything into an open pickup bed. AWD Earns Its Keep at the Launch Ramp Available AWD has obvious value in poor weather, but boat ramps provide another good reason for having traction at all 4 wheels. Wet pavement, loose gravel, and slippery launch surfaces can demand more from a tow vehicle than an ordinary road journey. R/T 392 adds performance-oriented suspension equipment, while SRT® Hellcat combines AWD with adaptive damping and Brembo® high-performance brakes. None of this changes the importance of proper trailer loading or suitable tires, but it demonstrates that Durango's towing ability is supported by more than a large engine and a receiver hitch. Cabin Technology Helps with the Miles Between Lakes Available Uconnect® 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen provides navigation along with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Other available equipment includes wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB connections, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system. These aren't the reasons to choose Durango as a tow vehicle, but they become useful when a lake trip involves several hours on the road with a cabin full of passengers. The best technology in that situation is the sort that makes the journey easier without demanding constant attention from the driver. Choose the Durango for the Trailer You Own The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 can handle many lighter towing jobs, while the 5.7L HEMI® V8 raises maximum capacity to 7,200 lbs. R/T 392 and SRT® Hellcat reach the 8,700 lb. maximum when properly equipped. Sallisaw-area boat owners can visit Blue Ribbon Chrysler Dodge Jeep to compare available new Durango inventory, review towing equipment and configurations, and match the SUV to the loaded weight of their boat and trailer. Once you've found the right Durango, schedule a test drive online.
