Powerful performance SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango surge past other mainstream crossovers, but how do they stack up against each other? Before grabbing the keys to a new Ford Explorer in Cedartown, Polk County customers can find out what makes Ford's SUV the superior choice over the rival Dodge model. Peach State Ford compares these elite performance 7-seat SUVs so you can see where Ford's new SUV shines.
Where Does the Ford Explorer Have the Edge?
More Fuel Efficient, More Powerful Base Model
Earning only 19/26 (city/highway) miles per gallon, the Dodge Durango sacrifices fuel efficiency for a slight power boost. Driving through city streets in Cedartown is much more fuel efficient in the Ford Explorer which earns 27 miles per gallon. Rockmart, GA drivers also get 28 miles per gallon on US-278, US-27, and other Georgia highways in this new Ford SUV.
Towing capacities only differ by 600 pounds, with the Ford Explorer earning a 5,600-pound towing rating. While Dodge's mid-size SUV offers a supercharged V8 engine producing over 700 ponies in the SRT Hellcat model, it rarely suits everyday driving around northwest Georgia. A pair of HEMI® V8 engines are available to deliver between 360 to 475 horsepower, but the Dodge Durango's base powertrain — a 3.6-liter V6 engine — outputs only 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Ford Explorer SUVs are more powerful, as the base model's 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. There's even a Ford Explorer Hybrid that combines an electric motor and 3.3-liter V6 engine to produce 318 ponies and 322 pound-feet of torque. Relying on the EcoBoost® 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 powertrain, this new Ford SUV maxes its power output at 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
The Ford Explorer's all-wheel drive setup is superior with Intelligent 4WD and a Terrain Management System™ that Dodge's SUV doesn't offer.
More Space — Better Interior Dimensions All Around for the Ford Explorer
Each SUV seats seven passengers across three rows of seating, but the Ford Explorer flexes its cabin with an adjustable interior and PowerFold® third-row seats. There are even captain's chairs for this new Ford SUV, which lets Temple, GA families utilize 18.2 to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Those cargo figures top the Dodge Durango's figures of 17.2 and 85.1 cubic feet, respectively. With additional space, the Ford Explorer offers more comfort for Cedartown drivers and their passengers. Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango interior dimensions are listed below:
- Leg Room (Front/Rear) — Explorer: 43/39 inches; Durango: 40.3/38.6 inches
- Head Room (Front/Rear) — Explorer: 40.7/40.5 inches; Durango: 39.9/39.8 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) — Explorer: 61.8/61.9 inches; Durango: 58.5/57.7 inches
More Athletic & Luxurious
By choosing the Ford Explorer Platinum, Rockmart, GA drivers will relish more luxurious features in a premium-packed model. The Ford Explorer is also more athletic with its exclusive ST-Line model and an off-road Timberline model. The new Ford Explorer gives Georgia drivers more versatility between off-roading, luxury driving, and athletic cruising. Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, a twin-panel moonroof, and Deep Cyprus ActiveX™ seating are some Ford Explorer cabin comforts.
Enhanced Safety Presence with More Standard Driver Assists
The Dodge Durango offers the following safety features, but most aren't standard.
- Parksense® Rear Park-Assist
- Blind-Spot & Cross-Path Detection
- Forward-Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Advanced Brake Assist
- LaneSense® Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Thanks to Towing and Trailer Sway Control, there's more peace of mind for Temple, GA drivers while they're towing with their Ford Explorer. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite includes these driver assists:
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Rear View Camera
- Lane-Keeping System
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Reverse Brake Assist
Superior Connectivity Features
Dallas, GA drivers have no trouble staying connected to their Ford Explorer, which is a more tech-savvy SUV. The Explorer counters the Durango's Uconnect 5 tech setup with SYNC® 3 technology. Dodge has a larger standard 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the Ford Explorer's standard 8-inch display is available as a 10.1-inch screen.
There's even Enhanced Voice Recognition in the Ford Explorer. While both SUVs offer wireless charging and Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ compatibility, the Ford Explorer displays key readouts to Rockmart, GA motorists with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Dodge Durango also can't match the Ford Explorer's a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system.
Buy or Lease the More Affordable Ford Explorer in Cedartown
A used Dodge Durango isn't a bad option, but a new Ford Explorer has the clear edge. In addition to being equally capable, new Ford Explorer SUVs are more rugged and spacious.
Because the Ford Explorer features a starting price $3,000 less than the Dodge Durango, Bremen, GA shoppers will save money on this new Ford SUV in Cedartown. They can contact the Peach State Ford sales team with a call or click to schedule a Ford Explorer test drive around Cedartown. Don't forget to value your trade online with our Cedartown Ford dealership before buying a new Ford Explorer.