Ford Explorer vs Dodge Durango
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Dodge Durango, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $750 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2027
Dodge Durango
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 65 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 19 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $2,950 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi ✓ | 414 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | 6.4, 6.2, 5.7, 3.6 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Premium, Midgrade, Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 65 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs Durango: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Dodge Durango?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Dodge Durango, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $750 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,950 for the Dodge Durango — a difference of roughly $750 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and Durango offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Dodge Durango: 6.4, 6.2, 5.7, 3.6.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-dodge-durango