2012 Dodge Durango vs. Its Competition

2012 Dodge Durango
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Durango drives like some of the most popular crossovers, but trumps them with towing capacity and falls behind them in fuel economy.

The Ford Explorer is a study in contrasts: Ford recast it with car-based running gear, giving it a great ride and quick steering, and in turbo four-cylinder form, nearly 30 mpg on the highway.

The Chevy Traverse is another seven-seat crossover that leans even more toward the family-wagon side of the equation, with smooth performance and a big third-row seat.

For something a little more brutish, we'd suggest the Toyota 4Runner or Nissan Pathfinder, which have mid-size truck DNA and generally, bouncier rides and lesser performance than the Durango.

2012 Dodge Durango2012 Dodge Durango
Browse Used Listings		2012 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Chevrolet Traverse
Browse Used Listings		2012 Ford Explorer2012 Ford Explorer
Browse Used Listings		2011 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD 4-door V6 SV Angular Front Exterior View2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Browse Used Listings		2011 Toyota 4Runner 4WD 4-door V6 SR5 (GS) Angular Front Exterior View2012 Toyota 4Runner
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.4
Call it the anti-crossover: the Dodge Durango does SUV dirty work, but carries itself like a civilized family wagon.
8.0
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting.
8.6
It's a rifle shot at the heart of the crossover market: the 2012 Ford Explorer gives any SUV loyalist a reason to leap off their very high horse.
6.2
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder appeals to those who need tow or off-road, yet occasionally carry passengers; if it's the other way around, you can do better.
8.2
The brawny 2012 Toyota 4Runner targets off-road purists who sometimes need to haul the family—and it's better on the highway than you might think.
MSRP From    
$28,995$29,660$28,280$29,290$31,090
Gas Mileage    
13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas/Ethanol V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6
EPA Class    
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility VehicleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD2WD Sport UtilitySport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Style Name    
2WD 4-Door SXTFWD 4-Door LSFWD 4-Door Base2WD 4-Door V6 SRWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS)
Drivetrain    
Rear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
78775
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
Sport Utility Vehicle4 DoorSport Utility VehicleSport UtilitySport Utility Vehicle
Transmission    
AutomaticAutomaticAutomatic w/manual shiftAutomaticAutomatic w/Manual Shift
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Ford Explorer2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner