2019 Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer
2019 Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer
Sometimes name recognition doesn't mean a thing. Ford is famous for its pickup trucks, so people naturally assume that their sport utility vehicles must be made from the same sturdy stuff. Well, maybe not. In this comparison guide, we pair the 2019 Dodge Durango to the better-selling Ford Explorer. What you see may surprise you. In fact, the Durango is so much better than the Explorer that we're almost ashamed to make the comparison.
Powerful Engines: 2019 Dodge Durango
This is the closest category, but the Dodge Durango wins this one as well. The Durango comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that gets slightly more horsepower and torque and slightly better fuel economy than the base engine on the Explorer-a 3.5-liter V6. The fact that the Durango does more with nearly the same engine is surprising, given that the Durango is a few inches longer and a bit taller than the Explorer.
After that, it's the Durango all the way. Dodge offers not one but two optional V8 engines, the best of which delivers 475 horsepower. By comparison, there's no V8 engine on the Explorer, and the very best V6 musters only 365 horsepower.
Towing: 2019 Dodge Durango
The Durango is a class leader in towing. Yep, that's right. No other midsize SUV pulls more weight than this Dodge. The precise number is 8,700 pounds, when properly configured. Even with its optional Tow Package, the 2019 Ford Explorer is only slated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. We don't need to tell you that the Durango beats out the Explorer-no contest.
Price: 2019 Dodge Durango
At this point, you're probably wondering how much more you should expect to pay for the more powerful and useful Durango over the Ford Explorer. The truth is you'll probably pay less. The starting price for the 2019 Dodge Durango is just $30,200 while the Ford Explorer costs you at least $32,300. The Durango's standard features include goodies like leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, voice controls, and six-speaker sound system.
What does the base Explorer offer? A little less. The only unique standard feature is Ford's MyKey for parents of teen drivers. Otherwise, we too are scratching our heads at the price difference.
Seating and Cargo: 2019 Dodge Durango
On a final note, if you want a two-row sport utility vehicle, you're out of luck with the Explorer, which Ford offers only as a three-row SUV. On the other hand, the Dodge Durango starts as a two-row with the third row optional at any trim level for $1,000 more. The Dodge Durango also offers more overall cargo space, 4 cubic feet more than the Explorer.
Despite the sales numbers, the Dodge Durango is the superior vehicle in so many ways. If only people knew, we think those sales numbers would turn around.
* MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle. It does not include any taxes, fees or other charges. Pricing and availability may vary based on a variety of factors, including options, dealer, specials, fees, and financing qualifications. Consult your dealer for actual price and complete details. Vehicles shown may have optional equipment at additional cost. * The estimated selling price that appears after calculating dealer offers is for informational purposes, only. You may not qualify for the offers, incentives, discounts, or financing. Offers, incentives, discounts, or financing are subject to expiration and other restrictions. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Rebates and Discounts on these vehicles are also subject to change at any time. * Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness. * In transit means that vehicles have been built, but have not yet arrived at your dealer. Images shown may not necessarily represent identical vehicles in transit to your dealership. See your dealer for actual price, payments and complete details. * Pricing may include various rebates including Loyalty or Conquest rebates. See dealer for complete details. * 0% APR and Low APR offers may be in lieu of rebates. See dealer for complete details. * Tax, tags and fees are additional.
Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.