2025 Dodge Durango Vs. Ford Explorer: Which SUV Should You Buy?
Join us as we traverse an exciting path comparing the Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer. These two powerhouses may be different sizes, with the Durango seating up to seven and the Explorer can comfortably accommodate five, but they certainly keep pace with one another. When you're ready to experience the more muscular and athletic of the two (the Durango), schedule a test drive at South Shore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
2024 Toyota Tundra vs. 2024 Toyota Tacoma Overview
- The 2024 Toyota Tundra is 26.3 inches longer than the 2024 Toyota Tacoma when you compare their maximum lengths, but the Tacoma has a tighter turning diameter.
- The Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds1 – 5,500 pounds more than the Toyota Tacoma.1
- The Toyota Tacoma is the more fuel-efficient of the two pickups, especially in the city.
- The Toyota Tacoma has a lower MSRP and 11 trims to choose from, as well as two cab options (Xtra and Double) and two beds (5-foot or 6-foot).
- The Toyota Tundra has an eight-trim lineup. Further customize your vehicle by picking the Double or CrewMax Cab or a 5.5-, 6.5-, or 8.1-foot bed.
2025 Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer Trim Levels
The Durango continues to impress with its trim versatility, having 11 configurations, while the Ford Explorer only houses four editions for 2025.
The Dodge Durango kicks off with the GT and GT Plus duo, which comes with V-6 power and standard conveniences. The R/T selection adds a little more comfort with robust audio systems and V-8 power. Then there are four SRT Hellcat models, all of which come with that sweet 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, high-performance brakes, some exclusive leather upholstery options, and enhanced suspension systems.
The Ford Explorer includes some modern amenities like available heated and ventilated front seats, an available sport-tuned suspension, and an available panoramic vista roof. However, you won't find nearly as many exclusive badging and features as available for the Durango.
Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer Specs & Performance
We're kicking off our Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer matchup in the most exciting categories: performance and specifications. The Dodge Durango is the undisputed champion in this arena, with its three engine options that surpass the Ford Explorer potential.
Choose a 2025 Dodge Durango, and you'll have diverse power options from these engines:
- Standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine: 295 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque, 7.4-second 0-60 mph time
- Available 5.7-liter V-8 engine: 360 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque, 6.2-second 0-60 mph time
- Available 6.2-liter V-8 engine: 710 horsepower, 645 pound-feet of torque, 3.5-second 0-60 mph
Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer has only two engine options. The first is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that only makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque – certainly impressive engineering from such a lightweight engine, but lackluster compared to the Durango.
The second Ford Explorer engine is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque – that's 310 horsepower shy of what the Durango is capable of.
And that's not all – the Durango outpaces the Explorer in towing capacity, as well. The Ford Explorer can only tow up to 5,000 pounds,3 while the Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds, 7,400 pounds, or 8,700 pounds,3 depending on engine option.
| 2025 Dodge Durango | 2025 Ford Explorer | |
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| 5,000 lbs3 |
| Drivetrain | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Maximum Driving Range | 492 mi4 | 430 mi4 |
Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer Interior Comfort & Tech
Both SUVs in our matchup are modern with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration. However, they go about their cabin aesthetics and appointments a little differently. The Ford Explorer comes standard with heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen.
The Durango gets a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen, a slightly smaller size than that of the Explorer, but it does get the heated front seats and three-zone climate control. The real way the Durango pulls ahead of the Explorer is on higher-tier trims with its Nappa leather upholstery, an available 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, and forged Carbon Fiber interior accents – the Explorer includes none of these.
We're happy to help you compare the Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer size when you visit our dealership. Don't forget to inquire about our Dodge Durango lease specials when you do.
Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer Reliability & Safety
The new Dodge Durango for sale and Ford Explorer come with similar standard safety perks, including Blind Spot Monitoring technologies and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking.
Furthering the point that these two are evenly matched in this category is that both rate Above Average by RepairPal in reliability.1,2
Still, the Durango gives you the benefit of a safe and reliable ride with incredible appointments, a larger trim lineup, and better performance. Begin by filling out a finance application on our website!
FAQ
Which SUV offers the most powerful engine: the 2025 Dodge Durango or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The Dodge Durango has more powerful engine options than the 2025 Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer makes five additional horsepower than the Dodge Durango when comparing standard engines, although the Durango engine displacement is larger. The Durango surpasses Explorer horsepower later in the lineup, with its available 710-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. The Explorer caps out at 400 horsepower with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
Which has the highest towing capacity: the 2025 Durango or the 2025 Explorer?
The Dodge Durango has a higher towing capacity than the 2025 Ford Explorer. With either of its available engines, the Ford Explorer can only tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Dodge Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds with its standard engine, 7,400 pounds with the available 5.7-liter engine, or 8,700 pounds3 with the available 6.2-liter supercharged engine.
Which SUV has a longer driving range: the new Durango or Explorer?
The 2025 Dodge Durango can drive farther than the 2025 Ford Explorer. In its most fuel-efficient configuration, the Dodge Durango can travel up to 492 miles on a full tank,4 while the 2025 Ford Explorer manages a maximum gas-only range of 430 miles4 on a full tank. We invite you to explore the Dodge Durango at our dealership, South Shore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, today.
What Our Customers Are Saying
K McCarthy
07/18/2025
I was there this past Saturday with my son to look at a Durango. We were greeted immediately and introduced to Tina who assisted us. Tina was extremely professional and knowledgeable about the truck that my son was interested in and answered all of his questions. She took us on a test drive and he loved it. When we got back to the dealership, she answered any other questions that we had, neither of us felt pressured by her which is what you want when you are making such a large purchase. Tina makes you feel like you are a part of her family when you are there not just a person sitting across from her. If you are looking to purchase a car in the near future, I highly recommend this dealership and I 100% highly recommended Tina.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/ford/explorer/2025
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/dodge/durango
3When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
4Estimated ranges provided are subject to variation based on factors such as fuel levels, driving habits, road conditions, and individual vehicle performance. These estimates should be used for comparison purposes only and shall not be solely relied upon.