Traverse vs Durango
Choosing between Chevrolet and Dodge often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the three-row suv class, that pair is the Traverse and the Durango. By our tally, the Durango leads 2 of 3 areas. The engine & performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Traverse.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Durango wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Durango wins
- Price Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality2.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Traverse has 34% more cargo space
Not a close call. The Traverse lists 23 cu ft and the Durango lists 17.2 cu ft. That’s a substantial gap. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity
Among all the differences on this page, 8,700 lb against 5,000 lb is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Durango. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The Durango has 64 lb-ft more torque
The Traverse gives up a lot on torque: 326 lb-ft, compared with 390 lb-ft on the Durango. The Durango’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Traverse has 15% more maximum cargo space
Few buyers will miss this one. The Traverse brings 98.2 cu ft to the table; the Durango brings 85.1 cu ft. The Traverse can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The Durango has 32 hp more power
On paper, the Durango is a touch ahead here, listing 360 hp against 328 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Durango leads
The Durango clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Durango stands out with 64 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. That makes the Durango the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft Durango: 390 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Durango: 360 hp The Durango’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Traverse is the stronger of the two. The Traverse wins here with 34% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. The space & practicality verdict goes to the Traverse.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft Durango: 17.2 cu ft The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Traverse: 98.2 cu ft Durango: 85.1 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Durango leads
The Traverse has a tough time in the off-road & towing section, where the Durango pulls well ahead. Point to the Durango for 3,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Durango’s higher rating gives you more margin. If off-road & towing is your priority, the Durango is the car to pick.
Max towing
Traverse: 5,000 lb Durango: 8,700 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Traverse and the Durango row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 5.7L V8 (HEMI) |
| Total system output | 328 hp | 360 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 17.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 85.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 (winner) | $42,495 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Choosing the Traverse saves $1,795 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. Step up by $1,795 to the Durango and you gain 3,700 lb more towing capacity and 64 lb-ft more torque.
These are US launch prices, recorded June 2025; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (98.2 cu ft vs 85.1 cu ft)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’d rather keep $1,795 in your pocket
Choose the Durango if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (8,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (390 lb-ft vs 326 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (360 hp vs 328 hp)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Traverse or the Durango?
The Durango wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you value 34% more cargo space above everything else.
Is the Traverse bigger than the Durango?
Neither by much. The Traverse and the Durango have nearly identical dimensions.
Which costs less, the Traverse or the Durango?
Going by launch prices, the Traverse costs $1,795 less than the Durango. Prices as of June 2025; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
The Traverse and the Durango come from rival camps, Chevrolet and Dodge, but they’re chasing the same person: you. It’s hard to argue with 3,700 lb more towing capacity, which is exactly what the Durango brings. A second point goes to the Durango for 64 lb-ft more torque. The Traverse isn’t without merit: 34% more cargo space is a real advantage.
Put simply, the Traverse suits people who care about space & practicality, while the Durango suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the Durango, with one exception: if you know that 34% more cargo space would make a real difference in your routine, go for the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.