2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$40,965 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus NX immediately captivates with its focus on refined efficiency, boasting a commendable 28 combined MPG, though its 203 hp output keeps things modest. Contrast this with the gargantuan, muscle-bound 2026 Dodge Durango, a true heavyweight challenger that unleashes a commanding 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, perfectly suited for drivers who demand raw American performance. This comparison pits efficiency against brute force: the Lexus, measuring 183.5 inches long, offers a tight, premium experience, while the Durango dwarfs it at 200.8 inches, promising more road presence. The fuel economy gap is stark, with the NX achieving 8 MPG better combined efficiency (28 MPG vs. the Durango’s 20 MPG). While the Durango packs 92 more horsepower, the NX starts slightly higher in MSRP at $40,965 compared to the Durango's $38,995, presenting a fascinating trade-off between accessible power and economical luxury.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The 2025 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango is better for larger families, offering greater overall exterior dimensions and likely more interior volume, despite its smaller stated cargo capacity figure of 17.2 cu ft compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft (note: Durango is significantly longer overall).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the 2026 Dodge Durango for its significantly higher output of 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving dynamic.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango offers substantial performance, delivering 92 more horsepower for an initial MSRP that is nearly $2,000 less than the Lexus NX.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Your daily drive prioritizes minimizing trips to the pump, capitalizing on the Lexus NX's 33 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a more compact footprint, as the NX measures 183.5 inches long, making city parking simpler.
You value a slight initial cost advantage, as the Lexus NX has a lower horsepower but is equipped for efficient, premium travel.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Unadulterated power is essential, as the Durango boasts a potent 295 hp engine.
You require the advantages of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) dynamics for a different feel behind the wheel.
You need a commanding physical presence, given the Durango's imposing 200.8-inch length and 72.1-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Dodge Durango
Length	183.5"	200.8"
Width	73.4"	75.8"
Height	66.1"	72.1"
Wheelbase	105.9"	119.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Lexus	Dodge
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	442.8/615.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	24.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	58.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	57.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	265/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Dodge Durango?

The performance difference is substantial; the 2026 Durango produces 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, easily overpowering the Lexus NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This 92 hp difference ensures the Durango will feel dramatically quicker off the line.

Which crossover is better for saving money on fuel costs?

The 2025 Lexus NX is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving a combined 28 MPG compared to the Durango's 20 MPG. This 8 MPG advantage means significantly lower annual running costs for the Lexus.

Does the difference in drive type affect winter driving for these two vehicles?

Yes, the standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) on the Lexus NX generally offers more predictable traction in light snow than the standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup on the 2026 Dodge Durango, although AWD availability is not specified for either.

Is the Lexus NX or the Dodge Durango larger for hauling gear?

Despite the Durango's greater overall exterior length (200.8 inches vs. 183.5 inches), the Lexus NX is quoted with a larger maximum cargo capacity at 22.7 cubic feet compared to the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet in this specification set.

How much more does the more powerful Durango cost than the more efficient NX?

The 2026 Dodge Durango has a lower starting MSRP at $38,995, while the 2025 Lexus NX begins at $40,965. You save nearly $2,000 upfront to gain significant horsepower.

Are the transmissions functionally different between the two crossovers?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a comparable approach to gear selection and management for their respective engines.