The all-new Durango is a fully-competitive vehicle in the mid-size utility class, where the previous Durango didn't drive much better than a pickup; however the former truck-based Ford Explorer has also been redesigned for 2011 and now has a more road-savvy car-based layout—along with, later this year, a much more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a step closer to a wagon or minivan; though the Traverse has hinged back doors, its passenger-friendly layout is built for long family trips.
On the truckier side, there's the Toyota 4Runner, which hasn't gone soft with its latest redesign—it's still a tough, off-road-ready truck, first and foremost.
Another alternative would be the Nissan Pathfinder, however the Pathfinder now feels dated and outclassed.
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 2011 Dodge DurangoBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Nissan PathfinderBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Toyota 4RunnerBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2011 Dodge Durango is the anti-crossover, especially with the HEMI and R/T trim, and if the world still sanctioned big SUVs for small families, the Durango would be elbowing its way to driveways everywhere. |
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse isn’t fun to drive, but it’s one of the best large crossover wagons for transporting the family comfortably and safely. |
The 2011 Ford Explorer a formidable shot right at the heart of the crossover market--one that's sure to pull some of the remaining SUV loyalists off their very high horses. |
The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is a workhorse SUV that also offers decent comfort and an impressive feature set. |
If off-road capability is a top requirement, the brawny 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a good choice—with surprisingly good road manners to boot. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $29,195 | $29,370 | $28,360 | $28,570 | $30,305 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2WD 4-Door Express | FWD 4-Door LS | FWD 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door V6 S | RWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door | Sport Utility | 4 Door SR5 |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2011 Dodge Durango vs. 2011 Chevrolet Traverse | 2011 Dodge Durango vs. 2011 Ford Explorer | 2011 Dodge Durango vs. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | 2011 Dodge Durango vs. 2011 Toyota 4Runner | |
