2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Lexus RX

$38,495 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Dodge Durango slams the door shut on compromise, arriving with an aggressive 295 hp and a traditional rear-wheel-drive platform that promises spirited driving dynamics right from the base $38,495 trim. Contrast this muscle-bound approach with the serene, efficient, and technologically poised 2026 Lexus RX, which offers superior refinement starting at $49,725. While the Durango boasts more power (295 hp vs. 275 hp), the RX leverages its advanced front-wheel-drive architecture to achieve a much better combined MPG of 25, significantly outpacing the Durango’s 20 MPG. The RX also offers nearly 12.4 cubic feet more cargo space (29.6 cu ft vs. 17.2 cu ft). Ultimately, the choice is between raw, RWD-biased power and superior daily efficiency wrapped in legendary Lexus quality, a difference reflected by the substantial $11,230 starting price gap.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX provides substantially more utility, boasting 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 295 hp output and performance-oriented rear-wheel-drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is the clear value winner, undercutting the Lexus RX by $11,230 right at the entry price point.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You prioritize traditional, rear-wheel-drive dynamics over FWD efficiency.
Your budget demands a lower entry price, starting at only $38,495.
You want the higher peak horsepower figure of 295 hp in the base trim.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You need maximum practicality, evidenced by the 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want to save on fuel, as the RX delivers 25 combined MPG.
You prefer a more compact footprint, with the RX being 8.3 inches shorter in length (192.5 inches vs. 200.8 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Lexus RX
Length	200.8"	192.5"
Width	75.8"	75.6"
Height	72.1"	67.3"
Wheelbase	119.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
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	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	317 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	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
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.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
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	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	56.7 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Lexus
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Lexus RX.

How does the handling differ between the RWD Durango and the FWD Lexus RX?

The 2025 Durango uses a rear-wheel-drive architecture, suggesting a sportier, more engaging feel prioritizing power delivery to the back wheels. Conversely, the 2026 RX utilizes front-wheel-drive, which typically prioritizes stability and efficiency for everyday driving.

Is the increased price of the Lexus RX justified by its efficiency gains?

The Lexus RX starts at $49,725, which is $11,230 more than the Durango's $38,495. The RX offers 5 more combined MPG (25 vs. 20), which will translate to significant long-term fuel savings that chip away at the initial price disparity.

Which vehicle is physically larger, and how does that impact utility?

The Dodge Durango is notably larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the RX's 192.5 inches. However, despite being smaller externally, the 2026 Lexus RX offers much better utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

Do these base models require premium gasoline?

The 2025 Dodge Durango operates efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, aligning with its lower MSRP. The 2026 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded fuel, which is an added recurring cost to consider.

Which crossover offers more immediate power output?

The 2025 Dodge Durango delivers a higher baseline output with 295 horsepower, while the 2026 Lexus RX is rated at 275 horsepower, though the RX counters with superior torque at 317 lb-ft.