2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$38,495 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2025 Toyota Highlander often comes down to prioritizing muscle over mileage. If you crave more immediate acceleration, the Durango boasts 295 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp, even though the Highlander counters with superior torque at 310 lb-ft. However, efficiency is a major factor: the Highlander leads comfortably with a combined 25 MPG, outperforming the Durango's 20 MPG combined rating, potentially saving significant money over time given they both use regular unleaded. While both are substantial vehicles, the Durango is notably longer at 200.8 inches versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches. Though trunk space is close—17.2 cu ft in the Durango versus 16 cu ft in the Highlander—the Durango’s RWD setup contrasts sharply with the Highlander’s FWD standard setup, influencing handling and perceived robustness in varied conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the better commuter due to its superior combined 25 MPG fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander’s standard front-wheel drive and slightly lower height of 68.1 inches generally offer more predictable, accessible handling for daily family duties.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 295 horsepower and a standard rear-wheel-drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

Starting at an MSRP of $38,495, the Durango undercuts the Highlander’s $40,320 price tag while offering more horsepower.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You need the extra length, as the Durango measures 200.8 inches long, providing a more commanding road presence.
You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics that often come with a standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform.
You prioritize peak horsepower, as the Durango offers 295 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You drive long distances regularly and want to maximize fuel economy, benefiting from the 25 MPG combined rating.
You desire better low-end responsiveness, as the Highlander produces 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Durango's 260 lb-ft.
You prefer the accessibility and slightly lower profile, with the Highlander standing 68.1 inches tall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Toyota Highlander
Length	200.8"	194.9"
Width	75.8"	76.0"
Height	72.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	119.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
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	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	8.0 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	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	57.2 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	—

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Which crossover is cheaper to fuel annually, the Durango or the Highlander?

The Highlander should be significantly cheaper to fuel due to its excellent mileage. It achieves 25 MPG combined, whereas the Durango only manages 20 MPG combined, meaning the Highlander will require fewer stops at the pump for regular unleaded gasoline.

Is the 2025 Dodge Durango the larger vehicle overall?

Yes, the Durango is physically larger in length, measuring 200.8 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. However, the Highlander is slightly wider at 76.0 inches, while the Durango has slightly more dedicated cargo capacity at 17.2 cu ft.

Which vehicle has better acceleration off the line?

While the Durango has more horsepower (295 hp), the Highlander has significantly more torque (310 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft). In everyday driving scenarios, the Highlander's superior torque often translates to quicker feeling initial acceleration.

How does the base MSRP difference impact the value proposition?

The Durango has a lower entry price of $38,495 versus the Highlander's $40,320. This $1,825 difference favors the Durango in immediate affordability, despite the Highlander winning on long-term fuel cost savings.

Are both crossovers equipped with RWD or FWD?

No, they use different standard drive types: the 2025 Dodge Durango utilizes a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, which enthusiasts often prefer for towing and dynamics. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Which vehicle is easier to fit into tight parking structures?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is likely easier to manage in tight spaces as it is shorter overall (194.9 inches) and noticeably shorter in height (68.1 inches) than the Durango's 72.1-inch height.