
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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Quick Specs | ||||
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 |