2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2026 automotive battleground heats up with the muscular Dodge Durango facing the efficient Ford Explorer. The Durango excites with its imposing stance, measuring 200.8 inches long and leveraging its rear-wheel-drive platform to deliver a punchy 295 hp, although its combined fuel economy settles at 20 MPG. Conversely, the Ford Explorer, slightly shorter at 198.8 inches, earns immediate praise for efficiency, netting an impressive 24 MPG combined while offering marginally more power with 300 hp and a superior 310 lb-ft of torque. While the Durango’s MSRP of $38,995 is slightly higher than the Explorer's $38,330, enthusiasts might lean toward the Durango's RWD setup paired with the 8-speed transmission for a distinct driving feel against the Explorer's 10-speed automatic, despite the Explorer leading significantly in mileage and torque output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango offers a slightly taller structure (72.1 inches vs 69.9 inches) and more generous overall size for potential interior comfort.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Explorer offers better straight-line performance metrics with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Durango's 295 hp and 260 lb-ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer secures the value verdict by providing 5 more horsepower and significantly better fuel economy for a lower MSRP of $38,330.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You prioritize a commanding road presence supported by its 72.1-inch height and 200.8-inch length.
- You prefer the feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with RWD architecture.
- You are willing to trade 4 MPG for a vehicle starting at an MSRP of $38,995, expecting a more raw driving character.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Saving fuel is critical, as the Explorer delivers 24 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the Durango's 20 MPG.
- You need the maximum pulling power available, evidenced by the Explorer's 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You desire a slightly lower entry cost, with the Explorer priced at $38,330.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 75.8" | 78.9" |
| Height | 72.1" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 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 | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Ford Explorer.
How much better is the fuel economy on the 2026 Explorer versus the Durango?
The Ford Explorer offers a noticeable advantage in efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined compared to the Dodge Durango’s 20 MPG combined. This results in a 4 MPG difference, which is substantial for daily driving expenses.
Which crossover offers superior power output for acceleration?
The 2026 Ford Explorer technically leads in output, boasting 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Dodge Durango delivers a strong 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making the Explorer slightly stronger on paper.
Are these vehicles built on the same drivetrain platform?
Both vehicles utilize a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration, which is exciting for SUVs. However, they employ different transmissions: the Durango uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Explorer features a 10-speed automatic.
How significant is the difference in size and practicality?
The Durango is slightly larger overall, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Explorer’s 198.8 inches. However, the Explorer is significantly wider at 78.9 inches, though the Durango has slightly more cargo capacity at 17.2 cu ft versus 16.3 cu ft.
Is there a major price gap between the two crossovers?
The price gap is minimal, positioning both models as competitive entry points. The Ford Explorer starts at $38,330, while the Dodge Durango commands a slightly higher MSRP of $38,995.
Which vehicle runs on regular unleaded gasoline?
Both the 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Ford Explorer conveniently run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs predictable for owners.
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