2023 Dodge Durango Vs Ford Explorer: Unveiling the Battle of SUV Titans

The 2023 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer lead the way in a competitive industry. Both embody so much of what an SUV needs: flexibility, performance, and elegance. From raw power and cutting-edge technology to roomy interiors and safety features, this article will compare these 2023 SUVs in one grand showdown.

Performance and Engine Options

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2023 Durango’s four engines:

• 3.6-liter V-6: This is the standard or available engine for the SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, GT Premium, and Citadel (optional) trims. It produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 6,200 pounds.
• 5.7-liter V-8: This appears on the Citadel (optional), R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Premium, and the R/T Hemi Orange trims. It produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and can tow 7,400 pounds.
• 6.4-liter V-8: This is exclusively for the SRT 392, SRT 392 Plus, and SRT 392 Premium trims. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 160 mph. It also offers 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 8,700 pounds.
• Supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8: The final Durango powertrain comes standard on the Durango SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Plus, and SRT Hellcat Premium trims. It can tow up to 8,700 pounds and produces 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. In tests, the Hellcat Durango reached a top speed of 180 mph.

The 2023 Ford Explorer SUV range offers three powertrains:

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4: This engine is standard on Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited trims, and it produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
• 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine: This engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology powers the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. 
• 3.3-liter V-6 Hybrid: This setup for the Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid versions helps conserve fuel while delivering 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. It can also pull up to 5,000 pounds.

In short, while the Ford model has fewer, less powerful engine options, it does benefit from a hybrid powertrain among its highest trims. Still, for top speed, towing power, and performance thrills, the Explorer lags behind the Durango.

Interior Comfort and Space 

The Dodge Durango offers 85.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding from a 17.2-cubic-foot cargo area. The Ford Explorer has 87.8 cubic feet, expanding from an 18.2-cubic-foot cargo area. The Ford Explorer also provides 43 inches of legroom in the first row and 39 inches in the second row, while the Dodge Durango offers 40.3 inches of front-row legroom and 38.6 inches of rear legroom.

On the infotainment front, the Ford Explorer’s infotainment system includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a second-row center console. Without upgrading, you get an 8-inch touchscreen with a Wi-Fi hotspot and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The basic Durango SXT and GT variants include an 8.4-inch display with similar apps and features. A 10.1-inch screen is available on the GT and comes standard on the Citadel, R/T, or higher trims.

Overall, both SUVs have great technology and roomy interiors. Still, despite the Explorer having a larger overall body, it has only an extra cubic foot of cargo volume and slightly more seat room.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems  

The 2023 Ford Explorer Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which comes standard, includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, are available as options on some trims. Similarly, the 2023 Dodge Durango comes standard with a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Upper trim levels provide additional safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Exterior Design and Styling

The Durango’s 16 trims are SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, GT Premium, R/T, Citadel, R/T Hemi Orange, R/T Plus, R/T Premium, SRT 392, SRT 392 Plus, SRT 392 Premium, SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Plus, and SRT Hellcat Premium. Like many large Dodge vehicles, the Durango has dramatic proportions and high ground clearance, and most models can fit up to 20-inch wheels.

The Explorer has eight trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The Base has painted aluminum 18-inch wheels, automatic LED low-beam headlights, a motorized liftgate, and black external door handles. The Platinum trim level adds satin aluminum finish body components, 21-inch bright machined-face luster-nickel aluminum wheels, adaptive headlamps, illuminated front scuff plates, and much more. The trim that offers exactly what you need will depend on you.

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Options 

Ford’s standard 2.3-liter engine achieves 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. However, the more powerful 3.0-liter V-6 drops the ratings to 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Explorer Hybrid can reach 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway when appropriately used. As for the 2023 Dodge Durango, the 3.6-liter V-6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Even the 5.7-liter V-8 reaches 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Ultimately, Ford places more emphasis on fuel economy. Still, even at the furthest end, Durango Hellcat models can achieve up to 17 mpg on the highway and 12 mpg in the city.

Pricing and Trims

The 2023 Ford Explorer Base model starts at $36,760. The XLT starts at $38,570, and the top-tier Platinum starts at $54,270. In contrast, the Durango has more potential to provide you with a luxury sports-car performance, leading to a wider price range. The basic SXT grade of the 2023 Dodge Durango costs $40,140. The GT trim is $42,640, the R/T is $53,240, and the SRT is $72,715, but the highest option, SRT Hellcat Premium, has a starting price of $104,810.

Real-World Performance and Customer Reviews 

The real-world performance and consumer evaluations for the 2023 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are divided. The 2023 Dodge Durango’s powerful engine options provide outstanding acceleration and hauling capabilities. Critics also like how roomy, pleasant, and well-appointed it is. Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Explorer receives high marks for its smooth ride, composed handling, large cabin, and user-friendly infotainment system, with the hybrid variant providing great fuel efficiency. 

It’s critical to understand the differences between the 2023 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer and to make your choice based on your priorities, whether those are power, space, or fuel efficiency. Visit Chris Nikel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to take one for a test drive and let us assist you in finding your SUV.

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