Dodge is expanding availability of its powerful Durango SRT Hellcat SUV across the US after earlier limitations due to stricter emissions regulations in some states. The automaker initially planned to withhold sales of the Hellcat and Durango R/T 392 from states adopting California’s stringent emission standards, set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
In a significant step forward, Dodge has now opened orders for the Hellcat in 10 additional CARB-compliant states. This brings the total number of states where the vehicle is available to purchase to [Number]. These newly accessible markets include Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Despite this progress, seven other states remain off-limits for Durango Hellcat buyers, though Dodge remains optimistic about clearing those final hurdles by the end of 2023. This means a nationwide rollout of the Hellcat is on track. A spokesperson for Dodge confirmed this timeline to Motor1, stating:
“In October, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was approved to open for orders in 10 additional CARB states… It is still currently prohibited for sale in seven states, down from 17 in August 2025. We will continue to work through policy changes and anticipate approval to open for orders in all 50 states by the end of this year.”
The expansion comes after a similar situation earlier this year when Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, faced limitations on selling combustion-engine vehicles in 14 CARB states. The Durango SRT Hellcat’s journey highlights a broader trend in the automotive industry: balancing performance demands with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Dodge’s commitment to solely V-8 engines for its updated 2026 Durango further underscores this challenge. Ditching the former V-6 option, the SUV now boasts three powerful V-8 configurations: a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter, a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter, and the supercharged 6.2-liter found in the Hellcat, producing an impressive 710 horsepower. This focus on performance is clearly aimed at enthusiasts but requires careful maneuvering to meet evolving emissions regulations across different states.
The Durango’s availability story exemplifies how quickly the automotive landscape is shifting. While buyers eagerly await the full return of the Hellcat across all U.S. states, it underscores the ongoing complexities of balancing environmental concerns with consumer demand for powerful vehicles.
