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Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer

2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Ford Explorer — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Dodge Durango

2026 Dodge Durango

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD
VS4 – 2Dodge Durango wins 4 of 6 categories
Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD

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The short version

The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient: 24 vs 20 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $550 a year less in fuel for the Ford Explorer (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Dodge Durango has had fewer recall campaigns (47 vs 105).

The two cars

The 2026 Dodge Durango is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 200 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,987 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2024 Durango and the 2024 Explorer have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Durango and the 2016 Explorer.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

20 MPG
Best combined MPG
24 MPG
18 city
City / highway MPG (best)
20 city
$3,350
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,800

Performance & space

357 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
200 in
Length
198.8 in
76 in
Width
78.7 in
70.9 in
Height
70.1 in
4,987 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,458 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
10
1
Recalls (2026)
15
47
Recalls, all years since 2005
105
15
Owner complaints (latest year)
42

Interest

14,700
Wikipedia views, 30 days
23,294

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2015
Year to avoid
2016

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Dodge Durango if…

  • You put reliability history first (47 vs 105 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Ford Explorer if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (24 vs 20 MPG)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Dodge Durango

  • Strong performanceUp to 357 hp, versus about 285 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

2026 Ford Explorer

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Dodge Durango specs →Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →