Some automotive enthusiasts would say that Ford started the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV for short) craze more than 30 years ago with its revolutionary Explorer. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they perfected the formula. We think that honor goes to Dodge’s own midsize SUV, the Durango, which offers ruggedly handsome looks and a massive range of trim levels to suit every need from practical family grocery getter to Hellcat V8-powered drag strip terror.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Dodge Durango offers a wide variety of powertrains from a fuel efficient V6 to a tire-shredding 710 horsepower V8.
- Durango’s standard 8.4 infotainment touchscreen has been praised by automotive journalists as one of the best on the market.
- While both vehicles are roomy enough for family adventures or home improvement store runs, the Explorer does enjoy a slight edge in cargo capacity.
Engine options and fuel efficiency
The most fuel efficient engine option for the 2024 Dodge Durango is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
From there, buyers can opt for one of a trio of V8 engines, the most pedestrian of which is a 5.7-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque that’s found in R/T (Road/Track) trim levels.
After the 5.7-liter V8, things really start to get interesting in the form of the SRT 392 model, which has a 6.4-liter (or 392 cubic inches, get it?) V8 that belts out 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through its all-wheel drive system.
Finally, the truly outrageous 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat makes a tire-shredding 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, funneled through a standard all-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy for the 2024 Dodge Durango is as follows:
- 3.6-liter V6: 19/26 miles per gallon city/highway
- 5.7-liter V8: 14/22 miles per gallon city/highway
- 6.4-liter V8: 13/19 miles per gallon city/highway
- 6.2 Hellcat V8: 13/19 miles per gallon city/highway
Compared to some of the Durango’s gonzo powerplants, the 2024 Ford Explorer looks downright tame. The standard engine on low to mid trim levels is Ford’s venerable 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque when premium fuel is used. To be fair, that’s slightly more power (and torque) than the most basic 2024 Durango mill.
Optional on some 2024 models and standard on others like the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch is a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque on premium unleaded fuel. The Explorers EPA-estimated fuel economy is:
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4: 21/28 miles per gallon city/highway
- 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6: 18/26 miles per gallon city/highway
Note that the listed fuel economy ratings for both the 2024 Durango and the 2024 Explorer are based on the rear-wheel drive versions, where applicable. Optional all-wheel drive will slightly reduce fuel economy by one or two mpg, but is invaluable in snowy climates or for moderate off-road adventures.
Is the 2024 Durango roomier than the 2024 Explorer?
Room for you, your crew, and their gear is a capstone of SUV ownership, so let’s see how much will fit inside these two all-American SUVs. First up is the 2024 Dodge Durango, which can seat up to seven people, depending on the trim and whether third row seating is selected.
The front seat occupants enjoy 40.3 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom, while second row passengers enjoy 38.6 inches of legroom and 39.8 inches of headroom. If equipped, the third row offers 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.8 inches of headroom, which is large enough for adults.
Whether you’re going on an epic camping adventure or just a run to the local home improvement store, the Durango’s generous cargo area is sure to come in handy. This SUV furnishes 17.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row or 43.3 cubic feet with the third-row seats stowed. With both the second and third row seats folded flat, the 2024 Durango offers a cavernous 85.1 cubic feet.
Over in the 2024 Ford Explorer, which also seats up to 7 adults, front seat denizens have 43 inches of legroom and 40.7 inches of headroom. Second row legroom and headroom clearance is 39 inches and 40.5 inches, respectively. Finally, third row occupants get 32.2 inches for their legs and 38.9 inches of headroom.
Cargo room behind the 2024 Explorer’s third row is 18.2 cubic feet or 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all seats folded behind the first row, the maximum capacity is 87.8 cubic feet.
After reviewing these figures, SUV buyers will notice that the 2024 Ford Explorer offers a small advantage in legroom and cargo capacity over the Durango, but overall, both are quite similar and will suit the needs of families well.
What about infotainment?
Car and Driver declared the 2024 Durango as having “one of the best infotainment systems on the market perched atop its sculpted dashboard” and frankly, we agree! Base and mid-range models have a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, while a 10.1-inch display is standard on higher trim levels like the Citadel and R/T — and optional on others. Naturally, all systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, plus there’s an available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens to keep the kids entertained on long road trips.
To be fair, the infotainment system in the 2024 Ford Explorer has similar specs, albeit a slightly smaller standard touchscreen at 8.0 inches. There’s also an optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented display, but getting one requires selecting one of the Explorer's more expensive models. Like the Durango, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that buyers can’t go terribly wrong with either one of these American-made midsize SUVs that are big enough for family adventures, but not as cumbersome as their truck-based full-sized cousins.
That said, we think the aggressive, sporty appearance of the Durango, with a plethora of V8 engine options to back up those looks, give it a slight edge over the venerable Explorer. Why not stop in today for a test drive of your own? Our knowledgeable staff can also explain how current incentives might make a muscular new Dodge Durango more affordable than you think.