2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$49,125 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium refinement and budget-conscious power often leaves crossover buyers stuck. If you're debating spending $10,130 more upfront for luxury versus saving cash for running costs, this comparison is for you. The 2025 Lexus RX commands a higher MSRP of $49,125 compared to the 2026 Dodge Durango's starting price of $38,995. While the Lexus offers superior fuel economy, delivering 25 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG, the Durango counters with slightly more power, boasting 295 horsepower against the RX’s 275 hp. Interestingly, the Lexus is physically smaller at 192.5 inches long, whereas the bulkier Durango stretches to 200.8 inches. Although the Durango might feel punchier off the line due to its torque advantage relative to its weight, the RX's higher efficiency and quieter cabin usually win over daily drivers, despite the RX having significantly less cargo space at 29.6 cu ft versus the Durango’s slightly larger (though still comparatively small) 17.2 cu ft offering.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

Despite the Durango being physically larger, the Lexus RX's better expected reliability and premium interior generally appeal more to families looking for long-term peace of mind.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango edges out the competition for enthusiasts because it offers higher peak horsepower at 295 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

The Durango provides better immediate value, starting at $38,995, saving buyers $10,130 compared to the entry-level Lexus RX MSRP.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize minimizing fuel stops, thanks to the RX achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking, as the RX is 192.5 inches long versus the Durango's 200.8 inches.
You are willing to pay the higher MSRP ($49,125) for Lexus brand refinement and potentially better long-term resale value.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Staying under budget is critical, as the Durango starts $10,130 cheaper at $38,995.
You need the ability to run on regular unleaded gasoline instead of the RX's premium recommendation.
You want the vehicle with the highest overall output, evidenced by the Durango's 295 horsepower rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Dodge Durango
Length	192.5"	200.8"
Width	75.6"	75.8"
Height	67.3"	72.1"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	2.4 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	442.8/615.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	24.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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 Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Dodge
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	38.6 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 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
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	265/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 RX and 2026 Dodge Durango.

Which SUV is better for hauling things, the Lexus RX or the Dodge Durango?

Based purely on the provided figures, the Lexus RX seems to have more space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the 2026 Dodge Durango lists only 17.2 cu ft. Keep in mind that the Durango is significantly taller and longer overall, which might affect how large items fit vertically or if you need maximum cabin length.

How much more does the Lexus RX cost annually to run in fuel expenses?

The Lexus RX requires premium fuel and only gets 25 combined MPG, while the Durango uses regular unleaded and achieves 20 combined MPG. That 5 MPG difference means the RX owner will spend more money over 15,000 miles annually, especially considering the RX mandates the more expensive premium fuel.

Is the performance difference between 275 hp and 295 hp noticeable daily?

While the Durango technically has 20 more horsepower (295 hp vs. 275 hp), the Lexus RX produces significantly more low-end torque at 317 lb-ft versus the Durango's 260 lb-ft. This means the Lexus might feel punchier during slower city acceleration, even if the Durango ultimately has a higher top-end power rating.

Which car is considered larger overall between the two?

The 2026 Dodge Durango is the physically larger vehicle in every dimension provided, measuring 200.8 inches in length and having a greater height of 72.1 inches. The 2025 Lexus RX is shorter at 192.5 inches and slightly narrower.

Do I save money immediately or over time choosing one over the other?

You save immediately by choosing the 2026 Dodge Durango due to its $10,130 lower MSRP ($38,995 vs. $49,125). However, the Lexus RX's superior 25 MPG combined rating means you begin saving money on fuel costs sooner.

What is the significance of the difference in drive type?

The 2025 Lexus RX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which is often preferred for efficiency and light snow traction. The 2026 Dodge Durango comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), which enthusiasts sometimes prefer for better handling balance, though it may require optional AWD for poor weather.