The choice between the 2026 Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot comes down to what you want in a three-row SUV. What sounds better -- bold and aggressive or smooth and practical? Keep reading to discover which of these popular midsize models better suits your coastal cruises!
Key Takeaways
- Both SUVs are roomy and comfortable, with a long list of available luxury features.
- Generating up to 710 horses, the Durango delivers next-level performance!
- When it comes to safety, the Pilot's generous list of high-tech driving aids gives it the edge.
- In spite of its sporty performance, the 2026 Durango (from $38,995*) actually starts at a better price than the 2026 Pilot (from $42,195*).
Modern Comfort: It's a Tie!
Both SUVs are spacious and modern, transporting three rows of passengers in equal comfort both around town and on the highway. You'll also love these models' standard lineups, which include cutting-edge comforts like tri-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. Move up either SUV's trim-model ladder to enjoy luxury features like leather upholstery or front-seat ventilation!
Sporty Performance: 2026 Dodge Durango
Shopping for a high-performance ride? The Durango is all about premium speed! With four muscular engine options (and up to 710 horsepower), Dodge's three-row SUV surges past the competition. You'll also love its rear-wheel-drive platform, which helps combine sporty handling with major speed. No one ever said family cruising had to be boring, after all.
To be fair, "sporty" doesn't really seem to be what the Pilot is going for as much as "practical." With its 285-horsepower V6, it's not exactly short on oomph. But the Pilot can't exactly compete with any of the Durango's high-powered V8 engines. And since the Pilot is a front-wheel-drive SUV, it's not as much fun in the handling department, either.
Durango vs. Pilot Performance Specs
|
2026 Dodge Durango |
2026 Honda Pilot |
| Standard Engine |
3.6L V6 (295 hp, 260 lb-ft) |
3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 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) |
None |
| Transmission |
Eight-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive |
Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive |
| Max Trailer |
8,700 lbs |
5,000 lbs |
Infotainment & High-Tech Safety: 2026 Honda Pilot
Let's take a look at how the 2026 Dodge Durango compares to the Honda Pilot when it comes to driving aids!
While both SUVs are big on driver safety aids, the Pilot comes standard with more of them. Every trim model includes forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control! While these features are available for the Durango, most are optional (blind-spot warning is standard).
Then again, both three-row family haulers treat you to cutting-edge infotainment. The Pilot comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Every Durango features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and the aforementioned smartphone connectivity tech.
Best Price: 2026 Dodge Durango
Want the best deal on a sporty midsize SUV? The 2026 Durango (starting at $38,995*) has the most potential for savings! Of course, the 2026 Pilot (from $42,195*) also comes at a competitive price for the segment.
*MSRP as of 3/2/26. Subject to change.
Your New High-Performance SUV
When all the dust settles, the Durango is the first midsize SUV across the finish line. And it's more than just fast -- this three-row Dodge delivers a roomy, comfortable ride and an impressive host of tech features at an excellent price. Come see what we mean! Visit us at Thunder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a test-drive or two.