Are you looking for a rough-and-tumble SUV for your drives through Rapid City, Belle Fourche, and Sioux Falls? If so, you're probably looking at models like the 2019 Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer. Both are great vehicles with a reputation for dependability, but which has more of what you need?
To help you answer that question, the team at Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (CDJRF) put these two SUVs side-by-side in this Durango vs. Explorer comparison.
2019 Durango vs Explorer Strength and Power
- Durango Max Towing:Â 8,700 pounds
- Explorer Max Towing:5,000 pounds
Both the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are powerful vehicles that make a high-output V6 engine standard. The 3.5L V6 in the Explorer puts out 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 in the Durango is a comparable engine that generates 296 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It can tow 6,200 pounds.
While the Explorer maxes out its towing capacity at 5,000 pounds, the Durango can actually boost its total capacity to 8,700 pounds with the available 6.4L HEMI® SRT V8 engine that puts out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Both SUVs will give you a standard trailer sway control feature to help you keep all that weight steady when navigating windy highways or winding back roads.
Safety Features in the Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer
When you hit the road for your next adventure, you'll have available features in both SUVs to help you get where you're going safely. For example, both offer an available Adaptive Cruise Control system. This is useful for longer road trips during which you spend a lot of time on the highway.
Simply set your preferred cruising speed and focus your attention on navigating. If you approach slower-moving traffic, this system will automatically slow you down to a safe following distance.
The Durango adds an available Rain Brake Support feature, as well. If you're driving in the rain, this system will actively remove water from the brake pads by applying a small amount of pressure to the caliper. This helps keep your brakes engaged and effective when stopping on wet roadways.Â
Without a similar feature, drivers in the Explorer may find themselves less stable during inclement weather.Â
Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer: Interior Dimensions
- Durango Cargo Volume:Â 84.5 cubic feet
- Explorer Cargo Volume:81.7 cubic feet
Whether you're driving the Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer, you'll have plenty of space for the whole family. Both SUVs feature an available 3-row configuration that can seat up to seven passengers comfortably. In fact, the third-row passengers in both cars will have a spacious 37.8 inches of headroom to stretch out in.
When you load up your luggage, however, you may find you can bring a bit more in the Durango. With the rear two rows folded down flat, the Durango can accommodate a grand total of 84.5 cubic feet of cargo. The Explorer can only fit a total of 81.7 cubic feet of cargo. That's a difference of roughly two carry-on suitcases.
2019 Dodge Durango vs Ford Explorer: The Choice is Yours
After comparing the 2019 Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer, the team at Liberty Chrysler CDJRF found that the Durango brings more to the Rapid City, Belle Fourche, and Sioux Falls roadways. If you want to try it out for yourself, contact us and we'll schedule a test drive.
Contact us to test drive the Dodge Durango today!