Durango vs Pilot
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Dodge’s Durango and Honda’s Pilot target the same three-row suv space in different ways. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 3 areas go to the Durango, and the gap is widest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Durango wins
- Space & Practicality Pilot wins
- Off-road & Towing Durango wins
- Price Pilot wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality2.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
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 75 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 360 hp to the Pilot’s 285 hp, the Durango has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity
Put simply, the Durango is far ahead here: 8,700 lb compared with 5,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Durango has 128 lb-ft more torque
The Durango’s 390 lb-ft leaves the Pilot’s 262 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Pilot has 8.1% more cargo space
The Pilot gets a small bonus on cargo (behind rear seats), with 18.6 cu ft against the Durango’s 17.2 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Pilot has room for 8 seats
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Pilot leads 8 seats to 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Design & Size
- Durango 200.8 in × 75.8 in × 71.9 in
- Pilot 200.1 in × 78.5 in × 71 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 200.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 71.9 in | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 113.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Durango leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Durango leads, and not by a little. The Durango delivers 75 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Durango is the stronger car.
Total system output
Durango: 360 hp Pilot: 285 hp The Durango’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Durango: 390 lb-ft Pilot: 262 lb-ft The Durango’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Pilot leads
If space & practicality is high on your list, the Pilot makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Pilot has the edge with 8.1% more cargo space. The Pilot’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. On space & practicality alone, the Pilot gets the nod.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Durango: 17.2 cu ft Pilot: 18.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Seats
Durango: 7 seats Pilot: 8 seats The Pilot has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Durango leads
The off-road & towing comparison is one-sided. The Durango leads where it counts. In its favor, the Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Net result: the Durango leads this part of the comparison.
Max towing
Durango: 8,700 lb Pilot: 5,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Durango’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 5.7L V8 (HEMI) | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 360 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 285 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 17.2 cu ft | 18.6 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 85.1 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 200.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 71.9 in | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 113.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Durango | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,495 | $42,395 |
“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
Only $100 separated these two at launch, in favor of the Pilot. For $100 more, the Durango adds 75 hp more power and 3,700 lb more towing capacity. Whether that’s good value depends on how much you need those upgrades.
Based on US launch pricing as of June 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Durango if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (360 hp vs 285 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (8,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (390 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Pilot if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (18.6 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $100 matters
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Durango or the Pilot?
The Durango makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having 8.1% more cargo space matters more to you than the rest.
Which is larger, the Durango or the Pilot?
The Durango and the Pilot are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Which costs less, the Durango or the Pilot?
At launch, the Pilot undercut the Durango by $100. These figures are as of June 2025, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Durango and the Pilot feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. Practically speaking, the Durango’s biggest advantage is 75 hp more power. And if that weren’t enough, the Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity. Fairness check: the Pilot does come with 8.1% more cargo space.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the Durango, and those who prioritize space & practicality with the Pilot.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Durango, unless you value 8.1% more cargo space above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.