2018 Dodge Durango vs 2018 Ford Explorer Nanuet NY

Features & Specs

Powertrain

3.6-liter V6

3.5-liter V6

Transmission

Eight-speed shiftable automatic

Six-speed shiftable automatic

Drivetrain

RWD / AWD

FWD / AWD

Fuel Efficiency

19 / 26 MPG

17 / 24 MPG

Mileage Range

467 / 640 miles

316 / 446 miles

2018 Dodge Durango vs 2018 Ford Explorer near New City, NY

Capability meets great space and functionality within any midsize SUV, and the competition is fierce.  The cars all supply their individual styling to accommodate the aspects and features you're looking for.  Here we have the 2018 Dodge Durango and the 2018 Ford Explorer, both seven-seaters for big family needs and comfort, but which provides the most for you and your passengers?

2018 Dodge Durango Power & Handling

There are three engines behind the Durango's great power performance and capabilities, the first two being the more likely to fulfill your family needs.  The first is the 295 horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, built with standard rear-wheel drive but optional all-wheel drive for areas that need the extra handling prowess.  The standard eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission commands this engine's 260 lb-ft of torque into action, supplying a best-in-V6-class 6,200-pound towing capacity.  A step up in power is provided within the luxury Citadel and R/T models with the 360 horsepower 5.7L HEMI V8 engine.  This engine's 390 lb-ft of torque can tow up to 7,400 pounds, and even that number is dwarfed by the final engine option.  The most powerful SRT trim is powered via a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.  This fastest Durango can also provide the best-in-V8-class  8,600-pound towing capacity. Trim-special performance-tuned systems are provided within the R/T and SRT, providing professional grade handling that'll leave the competition in the dust.

2018 Ford Explorer Power & Handling

The Ford's base trims are supplied a 290 horsepower 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine paired with the standard six-speed shiftable automatic transmission.  The variable camshift timing provides optimized performance across all gears, but the numbers lag behind the Durango both in horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency.  Optional in these lower trims, as well, is a 280 horsepower 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost inline four-cylinder.  Both these engines are available in either front- or all-wheel drive, but the Trailer Tow Package isn't available on the first.  With the EcoBoost engine, capabilities are also behind what the Durango can produce.  The Ford Explorer is only rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.  Highest available power comes from the 365 horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine.  It's no HEMI, but the Explorer does offer intelligent 4WD with a Terrain Management feature for greater off-road capabilities.

2018 Dodge Durango Features & Design

The base model starts at $29,995 and offers five passenger seating with an optional third-row for a maximum of seven passengers.  In higher trims, the second-row is available with two captain's chairs instead of the 60/40 bench seat.  The flat-foldable second and third rows afford you up to 84.5 cubic feet of storage space.  Everything is kept conveniently designed with plenty of standard and available feature options that you wouldn't find until a higher trim on the Ford.  Standards include such perks as Bluetooth with voice connect, cruise control, a seven-inch touchscreen media center, hands-free steering wheel mounted controls, paddle shifters, two standard second-row USB connections, and three-zone automatic temperature controls.  Immediately available is a Cold Weather Group that provides welcome heated seats, heated mirrors, and heated steering wheel.  A sunroof is also optional in the first trim of the Durango, something you won't immediately find available in the Explorer. 

2018 Ford Explorer Features & Design

The Ford Explorer starts at $32,140, providing similar technology as the Durango.  It seats seven in three rows, and the second-row can come in either a three-person bench or a two bucket seat design within higher trims.  The multimedia is an eight-inch touchscreen, also equipped with Bluetooth, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls and paddle shifters, but just single-zone climate control.  It also lacks a keyless push-button start, unlike the Durango.  You also won't find any winter weather comfort features nor warm weather sunroof in the base model, both unavailable until you move up in trims.  The second and third row seats fold flat, as well, providing up to just 80 cu.ft of storage space.

Conclusions

The 2018 Ford Explorer simply doesn't have the capabilities nor features that the Dodge Durango has.  The powertrains aren't in the same class of performance, every engine offered in the Durango out smoking the Explorer.  There's not even a claim on better or equal fuel efficiency.  You simply get more with the Dodge Durango for a comparable price.  For a more extensive breakdown of features, you can look below for our Durango vehicle review!  There's additional picks that are family friendly for your perusal as well.

Read Our Other Reviews