2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the 15 MPG difference in combined fuel economy, with the Highlander achieving 35 MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG. This efficiency gap is significant, especially considering the Durango's $38,495 MSRP undercuts the Highlander Hybrid's $47,020 price by $8,525. However, the Durango asserts dominance in raw output, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 243 horsepower. The Durango also offers a slight advantage in exterior bulk, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. Conversely, the Highlander Hybrid utilizes an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system standard, while the Durango relies on Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). Cargo space is marginally better in the Durango at 17.2 cubic feet versus 16 cubic feet for the Toyota.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG, drastically reducing fuel expenditure over daily driving cycles.
2025 Dodge Durango
The 2025 Durango offers greater physical stature, being 5.9 inches longer and slightly taller, which can translate to perceived cabin spaciousness.
2025 Dodge Durango
Enthusiasts will favor the Durango for its higher output of 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the hybrid's 243 horsepower.
2025 Dodge Durango
The Durango is the better value proposition based on initial cost, priced $8,525 lower than the Highlander Hybrid despite offering more peak horsepower.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You require maximum power output, as the Durango delivers 295 horsepower versus the hybrid's 243 hp.
- Budget constraints are a priority, given the Durango's MSRP starts at $38,495, saving $8,525 over the competitor.
- You prefer a traditional RWD platform and an 8-speed automatic transmission setup.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is the top priority, evidenced by the Highlander Hybrid’s 35 MPG combined rating.
- Year-round traction in varied weather is necessary, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- A smaller physical footprint is desired, as the Highlander is 5.9 inches shorter in overall length (194.9 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 17.1 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
What is the true cost of ownership difference between the Durango and the Highlander Hybrid?
While the Durango has a lower MSRP by $8,525, the Highlander Hybrid's 35 MPG (a 15 MPG advantage) will significantly offset its higher purchase price through long-term fuel savings. The specific break-even point depends on annual mileage driven.
How does the standard drivetrain affect performance metrics for these crossovers?
The 2025 Durango features standard Rear-Wheel Drive and delivers 295 hp, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Highlander Hybrid uses standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a continuously variable transmission to manage its 243 hp output.
Is the cargo space significantly different for practical hauling?
The difference is minimal; the Dodge Durango offers 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly more than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet. This 1.2 cubic foot advantage supports the Durango as marginally more utilitarian for cargo.
Which vehicle is dimensionally larger for exterior presence?
The 2025 Durango is visibly larger, standing 72.1 inches tall and 200.8 inches long. The Highlander Hybrid is notably shorter at 68.1 inches high and 194.9 inches long, making it slightly narrower at 76.0 inches wide compared to the Durango's 75.8 inches.
Can I use regular unleaded fuel in both vehicles?
Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility. This is a shared benefit, simplifying fueling requirements for owners of either model.
How does the horsepower differential impact acceleration perceptions?
The Durango possesses a 52 horsepower advantage (295 hp vs. 243 hp), suggesting it will feel significantly quicker when testing acceleration times or merging at highway speeds, despite the hybrid system’s initial torque advantage.
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