Durango vs Explorer: Comparing Two Popular Family SUVs

Regarding family SUVs, the Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer are two prominent contenders that have garnered attention for their blend of performance, space, and technology. Each model brings its unique characteristics to the table, and choosing between them is challenging for potential buyers. This article will delve into various aspects of both vehicles, including performance, interior space, technology features, safety ratings, overall value, and ownership costs, to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango has been a staple in the American SUV market since its introduction in the 1990s. Known for its bold styling and powerful performance, the Durango has evolved through several generations, maintaining its reputation as a robust and versatile vehicle.

Generational History

The Durango debuted 1998 as a full-size SUV, offering a solid alternative to competitors like the Ford Explorer. Over the years, it has seen significant updates, with the most recent generation introduced in 2021. This iteration has embraced a more aggressive aesthetic, complemented by enhanced technology and engine options.

Key Features of the Dodge Durango:

• Engines: The Durango offers a range of engines, including a standard 3.6-litre V6 and an optional 5.7-litre HEMI V8, which balance efficiency and power.
• Seating Capacity: With the option for three rows of seating, the Durango can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers.
• Towing Capacity: One of Durango’s standout features is its towing capacity, which can reach up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for hauling trailers or boats.
• Performance Trim Options: The Durango offers performance-oriented trims such as the R/T and the SRT. It boasts a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine that delivers exhilarating power and performance.

Overview of the Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer’s long history dates back to the early 1990s. Renowned for its spaciousness and versatility, it has undergone numerous redesigns to keep up with modern demands, evolving into a family-friendly SUV that does not compromise performance.

Generational History

The Ford Explorer was first introduced in 1990 and has seen several generations, each offering design, technology, and performance improvements. The latest generation, launched in 2020, embraces a rear-wheel-drive platform for improved handling and balance.

Key Features of the Ford Explorer:

• Engines: The Explorer offers a diverse range of engines, including a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6, and a hybrid variant, allowing buyers to choose based on their performance needs.
• Seating Capacity: Like the Durango, the Explorer can seat up to seven passengers across three rows, providing ample space for families.
• Towing Capacity: The Ford Explorer boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, making it a capable option for those needing to tow smaller loads.
• Performance Variants: Ford also offers the Explorer ST, a performance-oriented model equipped with a powerful V6 engine that enhances the Explorer’s sporty appeal.

Performance Comparison

Engine Options

Dodge Durango:

• 3.6-litre V6: This engine produces around 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s suitable for everyday driving and provides a decent balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a versatile choice for families.
• 5.7-litre HEMI V8: With 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, this engine elevates the Durango’s performance, making it an excellent choice for those who crave power and towing capabilities. The V8 engine significantly enhances acceleration, making the Durango feel lively when merging onto highways or overtaking.

Ford Explorer:

• 2.3-litre EcoBoost: Generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides a good mix of power and efficiency, ideal for urban driving and occasional long trips. The turbocharging technology ensures responsive performance without sacrificing fuel economy.
• 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6: This engine offers an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, perfect for drivers looking for a performance-oriented SUV. It also enhances the towing capacity, making the Explorer capable of hauling heavier loads.
• Hybrid Option: The Explorer also offers a hybrid variant, which combines a 3.3-litre V6 with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 318 horsepower. This option targets fuel efficiency and lower emissions, making it ideal for eco-conscious families.

Driving Dynamics

Regarding driving dynamics, the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer provide a comfortable ride but cater to slightly different preferences.

• Dodge Durango: The Durango is known for its robust build and stability, especially with the V8 engine. It offers a smooth ride and feels solid on the road, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a powerful driving experience. The suspension system is designed to absorb bumps effectively, contributing to passenger comfort. The Durango’s higher centre of gravity can lead to noticeable body roll in sharp corners, which is typical for SUVs in its class.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer excels in agility and manoeuvrability, particularly in urban environments. The vehicle feels lighter and more responsive than the Durango, making it easier to navigate tight spaces. The Explorer’s available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The rear-wheel-drive layout also improves weight distribution, contributing to a balanced driving experience.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many buyers, and here’s how the two SUVs compare:

• Dodge Durango: The V6 engine’s fuel economy is respectable, with an average of around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. However, the V8 engine consumes more fuel, averaging around 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Durango’s larger size and powerful engines contribute to its thirst for fuel, which may be a drawback for some buyers.
• Ford Explorer: The base 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine offers better fuel efficiency, achieving around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The hybrid variant excels further, providing an impressive 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, making it a standout choice for fuel-conscious buyers. This efficiency can lead to substantial savings over time, particularly for those driving frequently or long distances.

Interior and Space

Cabin Quality

Both SUVs offer well-designed interiors but cater to different preferences in style and materials.

• Dodge Durango: The Durango’s cabin is characterised by a more rugged and utilitarian design, with high-quality materials used throughout. The available leather upholstery and wood trim add a touch of luxury, especially in higher trims. The layout is straightforward, making it easy for drivers to access controls while keeping their focus on the road. The dashboard features an intuitive design, ensuring that critical controls are within easy reach.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s interior leans towards a more modern and refined aesthetic, focusing on technology integration. The quality of materials is high, and the overall design feels more upscale, especially in the Platinum trim. The layout is user-friendly, and the larger infotainment screen adds to the contemporary feel. Additionally, the Explorer offers a variety of colour schemes and interior finishes to suit different tastes.

Space and Comfort

Passenger Space: Both the Durango and Explorer can seat up to seven passengers, but they offer different experiences in terms of legroom and comfort.

• Dodge Durango: The Durango provides generous headroom and legroom in all three rows, making it a comfortable choice for taller passengers. Depending on the buyer’s preference, the second-row seats can be configured as captain’s chairs or a bench. The Durango’s third row is relatively spacious for an SUV, allowing adults to sit comfortably during longer journeys.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer also offers ample space in the first and second rows, but the third row may feel a bit cramped for adults compared to the Durango. However, it is generally easier to access the third row in the Explorer due to its design, which includes a sliding second row that can be moved forward for easier entry and exit. This thoughtful design feature enhances the overall usability of the vehicle.

Cargo Space: Cargo capacity is crucial for families and those needing to haul gear.

• Dodge Durango: With all seats in use, the Durango provides about 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the third row expands this to 43.3 cubic feet; with both rear rows down, it maximises to 85.1 cubic feet. The Durango’s flat load floor and wide opening make loading and unloading cargo convenient.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers slightly more cargo space, around 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. When the third row is folded, cargo capacity increases to 47.9 cubic feet, and with both rear rows down, it reaches up to 87.8 cubic feet. The Explorer’s power-folding third row is a handy feature, allowing drivers to easily adjust the cargo area with the push of a button.

Technology and Features

Infotainment Systems

The Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer have advanced infotainment systems but differ in usability and features.

• Dodge Durango: The Durango features the Uconnect infotainment system, which is known for its intuitive interface and responsive touchscreen. The base model has a 7-inch display, while higher trims offer a larger 10.1-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration. The premium audio system enhances the listening experience, making road trips more enjoyable.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer utilises Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is equally user-friendly. It features an 8-inch touchscreen in the base model, with a larger 10.1-inch display in higher trims. The Explorer also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring compatibility with various devices. The sound system is high-quality, especially in the premium options, providing clear and immersive audio for all passengers.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount for family vehicles, and both the Durango and Explorer offer a suite of advanced safety technologies.

• Dodge Durango: The Durango has standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add more advanced features like lane departure and forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking. The Durango has received strong safety ratings from organisations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer also excels in safety, with Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard on most trims. This suite includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims can have additional features such as a 360-degree camera system and parking assist. Like the Durango, the Explorer has performed well in crash tests, earning high marks for its safety features.

Pricing and Value

Pricing is a critical factor for many buyers, and understanding the cost of ownership is essential when comparing the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer.

Starting Prices

• Dodge Durango: The starting price for the base Durango model is approximately £38,000, with higher trims and added options pushing the price to around £70,000 for fully loaded models, such as the Durango SRT.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s base model starts at around £36,000, with the top-of-the-line Platinum trim reaching around £60,000. The Explorer’s range of pricing offers more options for buyers looking for a value-oriented SUV.

Ownership Costs

When considering ownership costs, factors like fuel economy, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation come into play.

• Dodge Durango: The Durango may have higher insurance rates due to its performance capabilities, particularly with the V8 engine. Maintenance costs are generally on par with other SUVs in its class, though the thirst for fuel from the V8 engine can add to overall operating costs.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s better fuel efficiency, particularly in the hybrid variant, can lower long-term fuel costs. Insurance rates tend to be more moderate, especially for the base models. Ford’s extensive dealer network also ensures that maintenance and repairs are accessible, which can further contribute to lower ownership costs.

Final Thoughts: Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer

Choosing between the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer depends on personal preferences and priorities. Here’s a summary of key considerations:

• Dodge Durango: The Durango is ideal for those prioritising performance, towing capacity, and a rugged design. It excels in power and offers generous interior space, making it suitable for larger families or those who frequently transport gear.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer appeals to buyers looking for a more refined and efficient family SUV with a modern interior and advanced technology features. Its agile handling, fuel-efficient engines, and safety technology make it a well-rounded choice for urban families.

Both vehicles offer a compelling mix of features, performance, and comfort, making them worthy contenders in the highly competitive SUV market. To make the best decision, it’s advisable to test drive both models and consider how each fits your specific lifestyle and requirements.