2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical distinction between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Durango starting $6,775 lower at $38,495 compared to the Highlander's $45,270. Power output favors the Durango, which boasts 295 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp, although the Highlander counters with 310 lb-ft of torque against the Durango's 260 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another critical divergence; the Highlander achieves a superior combined 24 MPG compared to the Durango's 20 MPG, which also influences the overall running costs significantly. Dimensionally, the Durango is longer at 200.8 inches versus 194.9 inches, yet the Highlander is slightly wider at 76.0 inches compared to the Durango's 75.8 inches. Cargo space is marginally better in the Durango at 17.2 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a superior combined 24 MPG, yielding better efficiency for daily driving compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.
2025 Dodge Durango
The 2025 Dodge Durango provides slightly more utility with 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Durango
The Durango's 295 hp output surpasses the Highlander's 265 hp, giving it a measurable performance advantage in raw horsepower.
2025 Dodge Durango
The Durango offers a substantial initial savings of $6,775 over the Highlander while still providing 295 hp.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Your primary goal is minimizing the initial purchase price, given its MSRP of $38,495.
- You prioritize maximum available horsepower, as the Durango delivers 295 hp.
- You need the largest standard cargo volume, measuring 17.2 cu ft.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by its 24 combined MPG rating.
- You desire greater low-end pulling power, evidenced by 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive is necessary, whereas the Durango comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive.
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 | 2 |
| 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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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. | 375.9/501.2 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 | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.6 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 | 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 | — | ✓ |
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. | 58.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | 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 Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the main financial difference between the 2025 Durango and the 2026 Highlander?
The 2025 Dodge Durango has a significantly lower starting MSRP of $38,495, representing a $6,775 saving compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander, which starts at $45,270.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for long highway commutes?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is more efficient, achieving 28 MPG on the highway compared to the Durango's 25 MPG highway rating, leading to fewer stops at the pump.
How does the standard drivetrain setup affect performance potential?
The Durango comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and 295 hp, while the Highlander includes All Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with 265 hp and higher torque at 310 lb-ft.
Is there a noticeable difference in exterior dimensions between these two crossovers?
Yes, the Durango is notably longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, though the Highlander is marginally wider at 76.0 inches.
Does the lower-priced Durango sacrifice much interior utility?
The Durango offers a slight edge in cargo space, measuring 17.2 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet, meaning the space difference is minimal.
What is the horsepower discrepancy between the two models?
The 2025 Dodge Durango provides 30 more horsepower than the 2026 Toyota Highlander (295 hp vs. 265 hp), though the Highlander excels in torque production.
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