2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Dodge Durango explodes onto the scene, a muscular bruiser offering a commanding 295 hp from its standard engine, promising a rawer, rear-wheel-drive dynamic. This imposing 200.8-inch-long Crossover leans into power, sacrificing efficiency with only 20 MPG combined. Conversely, the sleek 2026 Ford Escape champions efficiency and accessibility, immediately standing out with a stellar 30 MPG combined rating, leveraging its smaller, front-wheel-drive footprint. The Escape asks for just $30,350 versus the Durango’s steep $38,495 starting price, a significant $8,145 gap. While the Durango delivers a massive 115 hp advantage over the Escape's 180 hp, making the Durango the performance choice, the Escape offers nearly double the utility, boasting 37.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Durango's meager 17.2 cu ft behind the rear seats. This comparison pits brute American muscle against pragmatic, fuel-sipping agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape provides substantially more utility with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Durango
The 2025 Dodge Durango is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting 295 hp and a robust rear-wheel-drive platform.
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape offers vastly better efficiency and significantly lower entry cost at $30,350.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You prioritize raw power and desire 295 hp for spirited driving.
- You prefer the traditional handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive layout.
- Your budget accommodates the higher $38,495 MSRP and the 20 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Saving money is paramount, as the starting MSRP is $8,145 less than Car 1.
- You need maximum hauling capacity, utilizing the Escape's massive 37.5 cu ft of cargo room.
- Achieving up to 34 MPG on the highway is a primary commuting requirement.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 180.1" |
| Width | 75.8" | 74.1" |
| Height | 72.1" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 106.7" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 14.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Ford Escape.
How does the performance difference between the Durango's 295 hp and the Escape's 180 hp translate to the road?
The Durango has a massive 115 hp advantage, meaning it will accelerate much more aggressively and feel substantially quicker off the line, fitting its muscle car DNA. The Escape's 180 hp is adequate for daily driving but will feel noticeably slower when merging or demanding instant acceleration.
Is the smaller size of the 2026 Ford Escape better for city driving?
Yes, the Escape is significantly shorter at 180.1 inches compared to the Durango's 200.8 inches, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight urban environments. Its FWD configuration also aids predictability in standard commuter conditions.
Why is the 2025 Dodge Durango so much less fuel-efficient than the 2026 Ford Escape?
The Durango's higher power output, larger frame, and rear-wheel-drive bias contribute to its lower fuel economy, achieving only 20 MPG combined compared to the Escape’s excellent 30 MPG combined rating. This difference means the Durango requires more frequent stops for regular unleaded.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?
The Ford Escape is the undisputed utility champion, offering 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The Durango’s 17.2 cu ft cargo area is very small for a vehicle of its size, limiting its utility potential severely.
Is the $8,145 price difference worth paying for the Dodge Durango?
That premium buys you significantly more horsepower (295 hp vs 180 hp) and a rear-wheel-drive platform, appealing to those who prioritize driving excitement over long-term running costs and immediate savings.
How does the handling philosophy differ between these two crossovers?
The Durango emphasizes power delivery through its RWD setup, suggesting a more traditional, driver-focused feel when pushing hard. The Escape utilizes FWD, prioritizing stable, efficient transportation typical of modern compact crossovers.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool