Three-Row SUV Showdown 2025 Dodge Durango vs. 2025 Ford Explorer
If you’re looking for the perfect vehicle for your family adventures, you may have considered the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer, two of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market. In this car comparison review, we’ll highlight the biggest differences and similarities between the two to help you decide which SUV is best for your family.
2025 Dodge Durango: The Performance-Focused Family Hauler
First up, we have the new 2025 Dodge Durango. In this three-row SUV, you can choose between six or seven passenger seats, depending on your preference between regular seats and captain’s chairs in the second row. The Dodge Durango is known for its strong performance, and the new 2025 models are no exception. With extra power and smooth handling for tougher terrains, this family hauler is the perfect vehicle for all your family adventures.
2025 Ford Explorer: The Tech-Forward Family SUV
The 2025 Ford Explorer is slightly better suited for suburban driving, focusing more on technology and less on power. That said, the Ford Explorer is a capable SUV with an array of features that may well be suited to your family’s daily needs.
Durango vs. Explorer: Interior Space and Comfort Comparison
In the 2025 Dodge Durango, you’ll find a stylish cabin with plenty of space for both the driver and passengers. This roominess extends to the cargo area, with 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Optional features that can upgrade your cabin further include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and red accent stitching for added flair and style.
One significant difference between these two models is the amount of interior space. While the Ford Explorer offers a third row for passengers, it’s much tighter than the Durango’s. However, while the Durango may be a bit longer and taller than the Explorer, the Explorer is a few inches wider, allowing for a little more space between passengers.
As for cargo space, the Durango has the edge behind the third row, with the Explorer only having 16.3 cubic feet. However, the Explorer has an edge with the third row folded down, while the Durango gets the edge back with the second row folded down, as these seats don’t fold down in the Explorer.
Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer: Power and Performance
Under the hood of the 2025 Dodge Durango is a V-6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a smooth and reliable driving experience. For a bit more oomph, you can upgrade to a V-8 engine that produces 360 horsepower. This engine also improves towing capacity from 6,200 pounds to 7,400 pounds.
For maximum performance, consider a Durango SRT model, which uses a supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine to produce 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, while also increasing the maximum towing capacity to 8,700 lbs. In terms of fuel efficiency, the V-6 powertrain models are rated at 18/25 mpg (city/highway), while the V-8 engine models are estimated at 14/22 mpg (city/highway). The supercharged V-8 is rated at 12/17 mpg, respectively.
Moving onto the Ford Explorer, the standard powertrain uses a 2.3-liter engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For more power, you can upgrade to a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine that produces 400 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as well. The fuel efficiency at the base level matches the Durango, with an estimated 18/25 mpg (city/highway). The Explorer falls behind in towing capacity, with a maximum of 5,000 pounds.
Ford Explorer vs. Dodge Durango: Technology and Infotainment Systems
Both the Durango and the Explorer are equipped with the latest technologies. The Durango’s infotainment system includes a 10.1-inch touch screen across all trim levels with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrated for smartphone connections. For family trips, you’ll love the inclusion of a rear-seat entertainment system on higher trims, which adds dual screens and HDMI ports, allowing passengers in the back to load their favorite TV shows and movies.
Similar technologies are embedded within the Explorer’s cabin. The 2025 Explorer features the new Ford Digital Experience operating system, which includes a 13.2-inch touch screen and integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a unique available feature that allows you to stream videos from apps, which can be enjoyed on the screen when the vehicle is parked. Other available features include a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, three 12-volt power sockets, and eight USB ports throughout the cabin.
Safety Features
As with any family vehicle, safety is a top priority. The Durango offers many of the latest safety features, although some are only available on higher trims. Standard across all models is a blind-spot-monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.
The Explorer is also safety forward and includes standard features such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Durango provides seven trim levels, making it easy to find a model that fits the right balance between features and price range. Here’s a list of trim levels with their starting MSRPs:
- GT: $38,495
- GT Plus: $44,890
- R/T: $49,995
- R/T Plus: $53,390
- R/T Premium: $56,890
- R/T 20th Anniversary Plus: $62,470
- R/T 20th Anniversary Premium: $66,365
- SRT Hellcat: $84,995
- SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet: $101,290
- SRT Hellcat Hammerhead: $101,290
The Ford Explorer has the following trim levels available:
- Active: $40,050
- ST-Line: $45,020
- Platinum: $52,525
- ST: $54,770
Explore the 2025 Dodge Durango in Lansing, Kansas
If the new 2025 Dodge Durango has piqued your interest and you’d like to explore it more, our friendly team at MainStreet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Lansing is happy to answer all your questions. Call us today at 913-675-2776, or contact us to schedule a test-drive and experience the Durango’s features for yourself. Also, be sure to check out our used vehicles priced under $20K or our latest specials to see if you can save on the new 2025 Dodge Durango.
Photo Courtesy of Dodge
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