2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$38,995 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial numerical divergence between the 2026 Dodge Durango (Car 1) and the 2026 Toyota Highlander (Car 2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the Durango starting at $38,995 versus the Highlander's $45,270, a $6,275 initial cost advantage for Dodge. Power metrics show the Durango leads substantially in output, producing 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Highlander's 265 hp, although the Highlander compensates with 310 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a clear win for Toyota; the Highlander achieves a 24 MPG combined rating versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined, a 4 MPG advantage that translates to lower operational costs. Dimensionally, the Durango is physically larger at 200.8 inches long compared to the Highlander’s 194.9 inches, though the Highlander has a superior torque rating despite its smaller stature. Finally, cargo space is marginally better in the Durango at 17.2 cubic feet versus 16.0 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander's superior 24 MPG combined rating and standard All-Wheel Drive offer better efficiency and traction for daily driving than the Durango's 20 MPG combined rating and RWD layout.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango offers a slightly larger maximum cargo capacity at 17.2 cu ft and greater overall physical size (200.8 inches length) to accommodate occupants and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Durango provides higher peak horsepower at 295 hp, appealing more to performance-oriented drivers compared to the Highlander's 265 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

With an MSRP $6,275 lower than the Highlander, the Durango provides substantially more standard horsepower (295 hp vs 265 hp) for the lower purchase price.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Your priority is immediate purchase price savings, as the MSRP is $38,995, significantly undercutting the competitor.
You require the highest output of horsepower, with the Durango offering 295 hp compared to 265 hp.
Rear-wheel drive architecture is preferred for its specific driving dynamics.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, given the Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating (a 4 MPG improvement).
All-wheel drive capability is a requirement for varied road conditions.
The trade-off of $6,275 more cash up front for 310 lb-ft of torque is acceptable.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Toyota Highlander
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	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.9 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	P235/65R V
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Highlander than the Durango?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers a 24 MPG combined rating, which is 4 MPG better than the 2026 Dodge Durango's 20 MPG combined rating. This difference suggests lower annualized fuel expenses for the Highlander.

Which vehicle has a better engine output based on the specifications?

The Dodge Durango technically offers higher peak horsepower with 295 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp. However, the Highlander produces more pulling power with 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Durango's 260 lb-ft of torque.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2026 Dodge Durango starts at $38,995, establishing a significant initial savings of $6,275 compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander's starting MSRP of $45,270.

Are these vehicles similar in physical size?

No, the Durango is noticeably larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. The Durango is also substantially taller at 72.1 inches versus 68.1 inches for the Highlander.

Does the drivetrain affect fuel economy or purchase price?

Yes, the RWD Durango achieves only 20 MPG combined and starts lower at $38,995. Conversely, the AWD Highlander achieves 24 MPG combined but carries a higher initial cost of $45,270.

Which crossover offers more room for cargo behind the seats?

The 2026 Dodge Durango provides marginally more standardized cargo capacity at 17.2 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is rated slightly lower at 16.0 cubic feet of storage.