2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Dodge Durango
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Dodge Durango often comes down to balancing muscle versus mileage for your daily drives. If fuel economy is your primary concern, the Explorer pulls ahead significantly, delivering a combined 24 MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG—a notable 4 MPG difference that adds up over a year. Performance is tight, with the Explorer boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, just slightly edging out the Durango's 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, the Durango undercuts the Explorer's starting price by $1,055, beginning at $38,995 compared to the Explorer's $40,050. While both are large crossovers, the Durango is slightly longer at 200.8 inches but surprisingly taller at 72.1 inches compared to the Explorer's 69.9 inches. For maximizing every gallon, the Explorer provides a better overall package for routine transportation.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
2025 Ford Explorer
The slightly larger dimensions and the 1.0 cubic foot advantage in cargo capacity (18.2 cu ft vs. 17.2 cu ft) give the Explorer an edge for family hauling.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer's higher torque output of 310 lb-ft slightly favors spirited driving dynamics over the Durango's 260 lb-ft.
2026 Dodge Durango
The 2026 Dodge Durango secures the value verdict by offering a lower starting MSRP of $38,995 against the Explorer's $40,050.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize fuel savings and need the 24 MPG combined rating.
- You want the stronger torque figure of 310 lb-ft for easier merging.
- You prefer the slightly more user-friendly 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Your budget is tight, as the Durango starts $1,055 cheaper at $38,995.
- You need maximum vertical space, as the Durango stands 72.1 inches tall.
- You appreciate the longer body length of 200.8 inches for potential interior room.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 75.8" |
| Height | 69.9" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 119.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| 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 | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 442.8/615.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 24.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.1 in |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Dodge Durango.
How much better is the fuel economy between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is significantly better on fuel, achieving a combined 24 MPG, while the 2026 Dodge Durango is rated for 20 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference means fewer stops at the pump for the Explorer during regular commuting.
Which vehicle offers more power for highway merging?
The Ford Explorer has a slight advantage with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Durango's 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This extra 50 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer should translate to slightly quicker responsiveness.
What is the starting price difference for the base models?
The 2026 Dodge Durango undercuts the Explorer's price by $1,055, starting at $38,995 versus the Explorer's MSRP of $40,050. This makes the Durango the more affordable entry point.
Which vehicle has more space behind the third row?
The 2025 Ford Explorer provides slightly more accessible cargo space, offering 18.2 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Dodge Durango's 17.2 cubic feet. Both require you to utilize that space efficiently as they are large vehicles.
Are the drive types similar on both SUVs?
Yes, both the Explorer and the Durango come standard with a rear-wheel drive configuration. They both utilize automatic transmissions, with the Explorer using a 10-speed unit and the Durango utilizing an 8-speed.
How do the overall physical sizes compare?
The Durango is marginally longer at 200.8 inches versus the Explorer's 198.8 inches, but the Explorer is wider at 78.9 inches compared to the Durango's 75.8 inches. Notably, the Durango is also substantially taller.
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