2025 Dodge Durango Vs. 2025 Ford Explorer Comparison
As you narrow your options for a powerful and fun-to-drive three-row SUV, you're likely to compare the new Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer. Both models offer seven-passenger seating, advanced safety systems, and a versatile interior for cargo hauling.
But which SUV comes out on top? Find out with Bomnin CDJR in our detailed 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Dodge Durango comparison guide below.
Specs & Performance
With up to 710 horsepower on tap, the 2025 Dodge Durango takes an early (and substantial) lead over the 2025 Ford Explorer. The Durango gives you more powertrain choices, with three engines, compared to the Explorer SUV's two.
Dodge Durango – Power you drive with a choice of three potent Dodge engines in your new Durango. The Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 is king, with 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, but the 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 also impresses. The standard engine is the trusty 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, producing 295 horsepower, helping the Dodge SUV top the Explorer in standard towing capacity, as detailed below.
Ford Explorer – The 2025 Explorer gives you two engine options, a standard 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder or an available 400-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The Explorer has no answer for the mighty Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 in the Dodge SUV.
Towing Capacity
In terms of tow ratings, the Ford Explorer can't hang with the Dodge Durango. The 2025 Durango takes the towing capacity crown with its maximum rating of 8,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Dodge Durango – Each of the three Durango powertrains provides a higher tow rating than the Explorer's maximum. When properly equipped, the Durango V-6 can pull up to 6,200 pounds, and the 5.7-liter V-8 can tow up to 7,400 pounds. The 8,700-pound trailering capacity1 is reserved for the Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 models. View our Dodge Durango offers for enticing deals on these powerful SUVs.
Ford Explorer – Peak towing capacity in the 2025 Explorer lineup reaches 5,000 pounds (when properly equipped), whether with the standard 300-horsepower four-cylinder or the available 400-horsepower V-6 and RWD or AWD.
Fuel Economy
The Ford Explorer makes a bit of a comeback with the fuel efficiency comparison, earning higher EPA-estimated MPG ratings than the Durango.
Dodge Durango – When equipped with the proven performance of its standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, the 2025 Durango achieves up to an EPA-estimated 18/25 MPG (City/Highway)2 rating.
Ford Explorer – Thanks to its small turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 2025 Explorer earns up to an EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway)3 rating, topping the V-6 and V-8 Durango SUVs.
Size & Cargo
The Dodge Durango dimensions are larger than the Ford Explorer, both in terms of exterior length and height, as well as several interior measurements.
Dodge Durango – At 200.8 inches long and 72.1 inches tall, the 2025 Durango is a more sizable SUV than the Explorer. Inside, drivers and passengers will enjoy more standard cargo capacity behind the third row and 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, or over an inch more legroom than what's on offer in the Ford SUV.
Ford Explorer – The smaller Explorer measures 198.7 inches in total length and 69.6 inches tall in its base configuration. This shorter SUV trails the Durango, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row, compared to the Dodge model's 17.2 cubic feet.
 2025 Dodge Durango GT |  2025 Ford Explorer Active | |
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| Engine: | 3.6L V-6 | 2.3L turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower: | 295 | 300 |
| Torque: | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain: | RWD or AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Towing Capacity: | 6,200 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Payload Capacity: | 1,440 lbs | N / A |
| 0-60 Time: | 7.4 sec4 | 6.8 sec5 |
| Top Speed: | 120 mph4 | not tested |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy): | 18 / 252 | 20 / 293 |
| Fuel Tank Size: | 24.6 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Dimensions (Length / Height): | 200.8 / 72.1 in | 198.7 / 69.6 in |
| Weight: | 4,875 lbs | 4,274 lbs |
| # of Seats: | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max): | 17.2 / 85.1 cu ft | 16.3 / 85.8 cu ft |
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| NHTSA Safety Rating (Side Crash): | 5-Star6 | 5-Star6 |
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| Dodge Durango Inventory | Dodge Durango Specials |
Interior & Features
If you're after an upscale interior in your new three-row SUV, the 2025 Durango has you covered with standout features like an available 19-speaker premium sound system and high-end seating surfaces that blend style, comfort, and sport. The Explorer lacks these cabin amenities.
Dodge Durango – Find a uniquely premium cabin inside this seven-passenger SUV, offering an available 19-speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System and seating choices from cloth to leather with suede inserts or full Nappa leather. View our new 2025 Dodge Durango inventory to tour this SUV's interior options.
Ford Explorer – The Explorer interior seats up to seven in three rows and offers cloth, leatherette, or real leather seating surfaces. Its optional 14-speaker sound system lacks the extra five speakers you can get inside a Durango.
Safety & Reliability
Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Dodge Durango received a Five-Star Overall Side Crash Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).6 You can generally expect both SUVs to be reliable for many years as long as they are well-maintained and taken care of.
Dodge Durango – The Dodge SUV's Five-Star Overall Side Crash Rating is supplemented with a Four-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA.6 Advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies offered on the new Durango include Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection System, Advanced Brake Assist with Ready Alert Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop.
Ford Explorer – The 2025 Explorer impresses with its Five-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA.6 The SUV's included Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package features driver aids like a Blind Spot Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering.
Explore More About Dodge Vehicles
Would you like more information on what's covered under warranty? See our Dodge warranty overview.
To learn more about current and discontinued trim levels, including the Dodge SXT meaning, explore our website or contact our sales team.
2025 Dodge Durango: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three potent engine options
- Up to 710 horsepower
- Choice of 11 trim levels
- Maximum tow rating of 8,700 pounds1
- 19-speaker premium audio system
Cons
- Less fuel-efficient
- Four-Star Overall Safety Rating6
2025 Ford Explorer: Pros & Cons
Pros
- EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway)3
- Five-Star Overall Safety Rating6
Cons
- Lower towing capacity
- Just two engine options
- Only four trim levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer?
The Dodge Durango is bigger than the Ford Explorer in terms of dimensions like exterior length and height. It's also heavier and has more standard cargo space behind its third row. While both models offer seating for up to seven, the 2025 Durango provides more third-row legroom than its Ford competition. Tour the Durango inside and out at your Dodge dealer.
Which can tow more: the Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer?
The new 2025 Dodge Durango can tow more than the Ford Explorer in their standard configuration. The 2025 Durango SUV comes standard with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds when it is properly equipped. The 2025 Explorer only tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped in its base configuration. For more trailering capabilities, count on the Dodge SUV.
Which has a better interior: the Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Dodge Durango has a more premium-feeling cabin than the Ford Explorer, although both offer modern technology and tasteful touches throughout the cabin. You can find a new 2025 Durango three-row SUV equipped with upscale Nappa leather seating surfaces and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System. The 2025 Ford Explorer doesn't offer this interior combination.
Read Our Dodge Durango Reviews:
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
3EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/dodge/durango