
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.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
From dealers near you
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | ||||
Call it the anti-crossover: the Dodge Durango does SUV dirty work, but carries itself like a civilized family wagon. |
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting. |
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. |
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. |
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 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/Ethanol 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 2WD |
Style Name | ||||
2WD 4-Door SXT | 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 | ||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Ford Explorer | 2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner |