Dodge Durango Compared: Rivals and Trims
Shopping three-row SUVs? The Dodge Durango is the performance and towing pick, with V8s up to a 710-plus-horsepower Hellcat and up to 8,700 pounds of towing, more than every rival here. Open a one-on-one comparison below, see how it stacks up, and walk through the trims.
Durango matchups, one on one
Already have a rival in mind? Each link opens a full side-by-side of the Durango against that specific SUV, spec for spec.
How the Durango measures up
| Model |
Starting MSRP |
Top engine |
Max towing |
Seating |
| Dodge Durango |
About $38,995 |
710+ hp (SRT Hellcat V8) |
Up to 8,700 lbs |
Up to 7 |
| Ford Explorer |
About $41,000 |
400 hp (3.0L V6, ST) |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
Up to 7 |
| Honda Pilot |
About $41,000 |
285 hp (V6) |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
Up to 8 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe |
About $60,000 |
420 hp (6.2L V8) |
Up to 8,400 lbs |
Up to 9 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander |
About $41,000 |
362 hp (Hybrid Max) |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
Up to 8 |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Durango is the performance and towing pick: it offers V8s up to a 710-plus-horsepower Hellcat and tows up to 8,700 pounds, more than every rival here, including the full-size Tahoe. The trade-offs are fuel economy and an eighth seat, which the Pilot, Tahoe, and Grand Highlander offer. The Tahoe is larger and pricier; the Explorer, Pilot, and Grand Highlander are car-based and more efficient. Open a head-to-head above for the full breakdown.
Worth knowing about the Durango
- The Durango out-tows every rival here at up to 8,700 pounds, including the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe.
- Its SRT Hellcat makes more than 710 horsepower, the most of any three-row SUV.
- It starts around $38,995, well below the full-size Tahoe while towing more.
Durango trim comparison
The Durango lines up from the well-equipped GT to the supercharged SRT Hellcat, with the V8-powered R/T in between.
| Trim |
Highlights |
Best for |
| GT |
Standard V6 or available 360-hp 5.7L HEMI V8, well-equipped |
Value and most buyers |
| R/T |
475-horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8 and sport tuning |
Performance |
| SRT Hellcat |
Supercharged 6.2L V8 with more than 710 horsepower |
Maximum performance |
Durango comparison FAQ
What SUVs compete with the Dodge Durango?
The Durango is most cross-shopped with the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Toyota Grand Highlander. We have a dedicated comparison for each; open the links above.
Does the Durango tow more than its rivals?
Yes. At up to 8,700 pounds it out-tows the Explorer, Pilot, and Grand Highlander (about 5,000) and even the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe (8,400).
Which three-row SUV has the most power?
The Durango, by a wide margin. Its SRT Hellcat makes more than 710 horsepower, more than any rival here, including the Tahoe’s 420-horsepower V8.
How many seats does the Durango have compared to rivals?
The Durango seats up to seven, while the Pilot, Tahoe, and Grand Highlander seat up to eight (the Tahoe up to nine). If a third seat in every row matters, the rivals have an edge; if power and towing matter, the Durango leads.
Is the Durango cheaper than the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Yes, considerably. The Durango starts around $38,995 versus about $60,000 for the Tahoe, while towing slightly more.
Which Durango trim is best?
GT for value with available V8 power, R/T for the 392 HEMI, and SRT Hellcat for maximum performance.
