2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
So, you are staring down the barrel of choosing between the rugged 2025 Dodge Durango and the spacious 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. It's a tough call, balancing raw power against long-term savings. The Durango kicks off at a more accessible MSRP of $38,495 and boasts 295 horsepower, making it the punchier choice straight off the line. However, its rear-wheel-drive setup and 20 MPG combined efficiency lag behind the Grand Highlander’s 24 MPG combined figure. The Toyota is noticeably larger inside, offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft, which is crucial for hauling gear. While the Durango gives you 30 more horsepower, the Grand Highlander counters with superior torque at 310 lb-ft, potentially aiding in hauling despite having 265 hp. For the budget-conscious buyer, the MPG difference alone—a 4 MPG combined advantage for the Toyota—will translate into hundreds saved annually.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Families will benefit more from the Toyota's larger 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Durango
The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 295 hp output and traditional rear-wheel-drive architecture.
2025 Dodge Durango
The Durango provides better upfront value with a lower MSRP of $38,495, saving buyers $2,865 compared to the Toyota.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the Durango offers 295 hp versus the Grand Highlander's 265 hp.
- You want a lower starting purchase price, with the Durango listed at $38,495.
- You prefer the dynamics of rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Fuel economy is paramount; the Grand Highlander returns 24 MPG combined compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.
- You need maximum storage, as the Toyota offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo room versus 17.2 cu ft.
- You value higher torque (310 lb-ft) for daily driving despite having slightly less horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 75.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 72.1" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 116.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 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 | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 17.8 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 | 12.3 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 56.5 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 58.8 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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which vehicle is cheaper to fuel, the 2025 Durango or the 2026 Grand Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is noticeably cheaper to fuel, boasting a 24 MPG combined rating. This is a significant 4 MPG advantage over the 2025 Dodge Durango's 20 MPG combined figure, saving money over the life of ownership.
How much more cargo space does the Toyota Grand Highlander offer?
The Grand Highlander wins significantly in the utility department, providing 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the third row. The Durango trails with only 17.2 cu ft, making the Toyota better equipped for hauling larger loads or more luggage.
Is the Dodge Durango significantly more powerful than the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Yes, the 2025 Dodge Durango holds the horsepower advantage with 295 hp compared to the Grand Highlander's 265 hp, a 30 hp difference. However, the Toyota counters this with more low-end grunt, producing 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Durango's 260 lb-ft.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Dodge Durango has a lower base MSRP at $38,495. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander starts slightly higher at $41,360, creating an initial savings opportunity of $2,865 by choosing the Durango.
Do these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander use regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs lower regardless of which you choose.
Which car has better maneuverability given their size and weight?
The Durango is slightly narrower (75.8 inches vs. 78.3 inches) and is the lighter option due to its RWD platform. This slight reduction in width could make fitting into tighter parking spots marginally easier than in the wider Grand Highlander.
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