Durango vs Explorer
The Durango and the Explorer are direct rivals in the three-row suv class, one from Dodge and one from Ford. Scoring each area separately, the Durango comes out on top 2 times out of 3. Its lead is sharpest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Durango wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Durango wins
- Price Explorer wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Off-road & Towing6.0
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
-
The Durango has 60 hp more power
Put simply, the Durango is far ahead here: 360 hp compared with 300 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Durango has 3,100 lb more towing capacity
The Durango’s 8,700 lb leaves the Explorer’s 5,600 lb well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. If you tow regularly, the Durango’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Durango has 80 lb-ft more torque
Not a close call. The Durango lists 390 lb-ft and the Explorer lists 310 lb-ft. That’s a substantial gap. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
- Durango 200.8 in × 75.8 in × 71.9 in
- Explorer 198.8 in × 78.9 in × 69.9 in
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 198.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 71.9 in | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Durango leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Durango. Here the Durango offers 60 hp more power. The Durango’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the Durango gets the nod.
Total system output
Durango: 360 hp Explorer: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Durango: 390 lb-ft Explorer: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Durango leads
No contest in off-road & towing: the Durango is the stronger of the two. On its side, the Durango has 3,100 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. Weighing only off-road & towing, the Durango comes out ahead.
Max towing
Durango: 8,700 lb Explorer: 5,600 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Durango and the Explorer list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 5.7L V8 (HEMI) | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) |
| Total system output | 360 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 300 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 17.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 85.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class | 5,600 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 198.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 71.9 in | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Durango | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,495 | $40,050 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“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
The Durango carried a slight premium of $2,445 at launch. The Durango asks for $2,445 more and delivers 60 hp more power and 3,100 lb more towing capacity in return.
Launch prices in the US as of June 2025; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Durango if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (360 hp vs 300 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (8,700 lb vs 5,600 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (390 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Explorer if…
- you’d put the $2,445 saving toward something else
- you prefer staying with Ford
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Durango or the Explorer?
For most people, the Durango is the stronger choice, unless saving $2,445 matters more to you than the extras.
Is the Durango bigger than the Explorer?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Durango and the Explorer is too small to matter.
Is the Durango cheaper than the Explorer?
The Explorer is the cheaper option, launching at $2,445 less than the Durango (launch prices as of June 2025).
Executive Summary
The Durango against the Explorer: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. My main argument for the Durango? It comes with 60 hp more power. A second reason: the Durango comes with 3,100 lb more towing capacity.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the Durango; if they lean on price, the Explorer.
My pick: the Durango, with one exception: if every dollar counts and $2,445 is a real sum for you, go for the Explorer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.