2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Ford Explorer

$38,495 · Crossover

$40,050 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle for three-row dominance pits the bold, brawny 2025 Dodge Durango against the refined, efficient 2025 Ford Explorer. The Durango roars onto the scene offering 295 hp and robust rear-wheel-drive architecture in a massive 200.8-inch frame, appealing to those prioritizing classic muscle-car ethos in an SUV shell. Conversely, the Explorer boasts superior efficiency, achieving a 24 MPG combined rating against the Durango's 20 MPG, thanks partly to its slicker 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer also edges out its rival in torque with 310 lb-ft compared to the Durango's 260 lb-ft, hinting at better pull. While the Explorer has a slightly lower MSRP at $40,050 versus the Durango's $38,495 (Wait, checking MSRP: Durango is lower at $38,495 vs Explorer's $40,050, which favors value for the Dodge), the Explorer offers slightly better usable space with 18.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

Families will prefer the Explorer for its slightly larger 18.2 cu ft cargo capacity and marginally lower height of 69.9 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts seeking raw muscle will gravitate toward the Durango’s V6 power delivery, despite the Explorer's slight torque advantage.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango offers a lower entry price point at $38,495 compared to the Explorer's $40,050.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You crave the classic RWD feel and aggressive stance associated with the Durango nameplate.
Budget is a primary concern, as the Durango starts at a lower $38,495 MSRP.
You prefer the imposing presence of a larger vehicle, measured at 200.8 inches long.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, given the Explorer achieves 29 MPG on the highway.
You need slightly more utility, demonstrated by 18.2 cu ft of standard cargo volume.
You prefer the responsiveness of a 10-speed automatic transmission over the Durango's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Ford Explorer
Length	200.8"	198.8"
Width	75.8"	78.9"
Height	72.1"	69.9"
Wheelbase	119.8"	119.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	358.0/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	61.8 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	61.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	59.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	P255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Ford
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2025 Ford Explorer.

Which crossover handles longer road trips better regarding fuel stops?

The Ford Explorer is the clear winner for extended travel, offering a 24 MPG combined rating. This is a substantial 4 MPG advantage over the Durango's 20 MPG combined rating, meaning fewer stops at the pump.

Does the power difference between these two SUVs matter in real-world driving?

While the Explorer has higher peak horsepower (300 hp vs 295 hp), it also commands significantly more torque (310 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft). This suggests the Explorer will feel punchier during immediate acceleration and merging.

If I prioritize lower initial cost, which vehicle should I consider first?

The 2025 Dodge Durango presents a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $38,495. The Ford Explorer starts slightly higher at $40,050.

Which vehicle is physically larger and potentially roomier inside?

The Durango is longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Explorer’s 198.8 inches, but the Explorer offers slightly more standardized cargo capacity at 18.2 cu ft versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

How do the drive types compare for these RWD-based crossovers?

Both vehicles utilize a rear-wheel-drive bias for their foundational platforms, offering similar dynamics in that regard, but the Durango uses an 8-speed automatic while the Explorer employs a more advanced 10-speed automatic.