Just in time for the holiday season, Dodge has announced that its high-powered Durango SRT Hellcat is now legal to drive in all 50 states.
Previously restricted in CARB (California Air Resources Board) states due to emissions regulations, the SUV has now cleared the necessary certifications, allowing enthusiasts nationwide to enjoy the ultimate V8-powered family hauler.
To celebrate, Dodge launched a playful social media campaign featuring Santa Claus. In the promo, Santa escapes from a rural jail with help from Mrs. Claus and makes a high-octane getaway in a Hellcat-powered Durango, proclaiming: “This Christmas Season, the Jailbreak is back!”
Back in August, Dodge confirmed that all 2026 Durango models would come standard with V8 power, and the Hellcat variant would continue to be offered.
Initially, however, the high-performance SUV was only approved for sale in non-CARB states. By November, Dodge had successfully secured certification in ten CARB states, including Colorado, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Now, even stricter emissions states such as California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont are officially on board.
Shoppers in these areas can now purchase both the R/T 392 and the Hellcat models. This makes the Durango SRT Hellcat a true 50-state vehicle, combining extreme power with practicality for families.
The Durango SRT Hellcat first debuted for the 2021 model year but was discontinued after just one run due to tightening emissions standards in 2022.
Dodge revived it in 2023, and this time, the brand intends for it to remain in production. Despite the Durango platform dating back to 2010, Dodge is confident in the SUV’s continuing popularity.
“There’s no stopping the momentum the Dodge Durango is experiencing, including 14 straight months of sales growth,” said Dodge CEO Matt McAlear. “Now that the Durango SRT Hellcat is uncaged and running free in all 50 states, that momentum is going to keep growing.”
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