Which midsize SUV offers the best blend of family-style comfort and adventure, the 2026 Dodge Durango or Ford Explorer? Our comparison guide helps you make the right choice for your crew's fun-loving Florida lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Durango for old-school SUV styling, with a high stance and a bold, squared-off front end.
- On the tech front, the Explorer's Google-based infotainment gives it the edge.
- The Durango is one of the few remaining SUVs to offer beefy V8 power!
- Got an especially big boat? You'll appreciate the Durango's incredible 8,700-pound max tow rating!
All-American Style: 2026 Dodge Durango
Want a midsize SUV that looks as aggressive as it feels? Not only does the Durango deliver stunning power (more on this below), but it also looks the part, with a bold silhouette and squared-off front end. You'll even recognize exterior styling elements borrowed from the famously bold Dodge Charger.
Ford's midsize SUV, on the other hand, doesn't seem especially interested in the spotlight. If Florida highways are a sea of three-row crossovers, you might find it difficult to pick the Explorer out of the crowd. But with its sloping lines, honeycomb grille, and Ford-style LED lighting, it looks friendly enough.
Technology: 2026 Ford Explorer
Even if it hasn't been redesigned since the 2020 model year, Ford's midsize SUV still manages to deliver an ultramodern tech lineup. Every trim model comes standard with both a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 13.2-inch central touchscreen. And the infotainment's Google-based software makes the system especially easy to use!
Inside the Dodge Durango, the standard setup isn't quite as extensive. But you do get a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And just like the Explorer, the Durango makes your ride a little safer with standard blind-spot warning.
Thrilling Speed: 2026 Dodge Durango
There aren't a whole lot of V8 engines around these days -- especially in the midsize SUV segment. But unlike competitors, the Durango was built for astonishing speed, generating up to 710 horses! And with four muscular engines available, you can create the exact performance you crave.
The Explorer, by comparison, is a little more domesticated. Its 300-horsepower base engine is not exactly short of power, of course. But even the Explorer's 400-horsepower V6 upgrade can't compete with the Durango's muscular options!
2026 Durango vs. Explorer: Performance Specs
|
2026 Dodge Durango |
2026 Ford Explorer |
| Standard Engine |
3.6L V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft) |
Turbo 2.3L inline four-cylinder (300 hp, 311 lb-ft) |
| Optional Engines |
5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft)6.4L V8 (475 hp, 470 lb-ft)6.2L supercharged V8 (710 hp, 645 lb-ft) |
Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft) |
| Transmission |
Eight-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive |
Standard RWD or optional AWD |
| Max EPA Ratings |
20 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) |
24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway) |
Max Towing: 2026 Dodge Durango
In Central Florida, there's certainly no shortage of boat (or Jet Ski) owners. If you find yourself among them, you're going to love the Durango and its incredible 8,700-pound max tow rating. Compared to the Explorer, which maxes out at 5,000 pounds, the Durango can take your Gulf Coast vacations to the next level.
Your Fun-Loving New SUV
In the end, which is better: 2026 Ford Explorer or Dodge Durango? If you're shopping for bold styling and aggressive performance, it's the Durango all the way! Dodge's three-row midsize SUV is also the best choice for families with boats (or campers). Come test it out! Visit us at Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bartow, Florida to get started.