Both the 2026 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer put a rugged, high-spirited spin on family cruising. But which of these midsize SUVs makes the most sense for your crew? Keep reading for a side-by-side look at these popular three-row models!
Key Takeaways
- The Durango delivers three rows of truly spacious seating!
- Choose the Durango for true-blue V8 performance and max towing capabilities.
- Thanks to its turbocharged powertrains, the Explorer helps you save at the pump.
- With its rugged exterior design, the Durango has the most head-turning power!
Family-Style Comfort: 2026 Dodge Durango
For the Durango, space is a major priority. Adult-sized passengers fit comfortably in all three rows -- even adults of the 6-foot-tall variety! Plus, it's easy to get in and out of the cabin, no matter where you plan to sit. We're also big fans of the Durango's front-seat ergonomics, including its user-friendly dash layout.
The Explorer gets high marks for its cushy front seats. The second row is pretty great, too, if a little less comfortably padded. But the third-row seat bottoms sit closer to the floor, which is already for small kids, but definitely not adult-sized passengers.
Classic SUV Performance: 2026 Dodge Durango
Once the heart of every rugged SUV, V8 power has become something of a rarity. And while you can't enjoy a classic V8 performance in the Ford Explorer at all, the Dodge Durango offers your choice of three V8 engines -- including the supercharged, 710-horsepower SRT Hellcat V8!
Meanwhile, the Explorer relies on turbochargers to create a blend of power and efficiency. And while its 400-horsepower V6 upgrade is pretty good, it never feels as muscular as any of the Durango's V8 engines! And speaking of strength, the Explorer also falls behind in the towing department. Where the Durango can tow max loads of 8,700 pounds, the Explorer only manages 5,000 pounds max.
| 2026 Dodge Durango | 2026 Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.6L V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft) | Turbo 2.3L inline four-cylinder (300 hp, 311 lb-ft) |
| Optional Engines | 5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft)6.4L V8 (475 hp, 470 lb-ft)6.2L supercharged V8 (710 hp, 645 lb-ft) | Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive | Standard RWD or optional AWD |
| Max Trailer | 8,700 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Thriftiest Ride: 2026 Ford Explorer
For once, the Explorer has the edge. Equipped with its base four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, EPA ratings reach 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway). Even with all-wheel drive, the Explorer is pretty thrifty, earning up to 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway).
Equipped with its base V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, the Durango is also at its thriftiest, earning 20 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway). Throw in all-wheel drive, and EPA ratings -- 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) -- don't change all that much, either.
Sporty Good Looks: 2026 Dodge Durango
Of all the differences between 2026 Durango and Explorer, exterior styling is the most striking! Where the Durango takes its aggressive styling cues from fellow speed freaks like the Charger and Challenger (RIP), the Explorer goes for more of an understated sportiness. And the Durango's more performance-based trim models only get bolder!
Your New SUV
For family-style cruising that's as comfortable as it is quick, there's only one real choice -- the 2026 Dodge Durango! Visit us at Alan Jay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Wauchula, FL to experience the Durango's bold styling and premium power for yourself.