2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Ford Explorer

• Durango trim prices are $40,090 to $67,565; Ford Explorer trims start at $41,380 and go up to $55,835. Prices are effective April 30, 2025.
• The Durango has more trims to choose from.
• This is the final year of the Durango’s V-8.

The 2025 Durango rolls in with only minor updates from last year, and while it’s still a solid performer, it’s starting to show its age. Dodge has simplified the trim lineup for this model year, and it marks the final run for the V-8 engine. A new powertrain—reportedly called the Stealth—is on the horizon, signaling big changes ahead. However, if you love the V6 or V8 currently available now is the time to get your Durango.

The Durango’s current lineup.

• GT: $40,090
• GT Plus: $46,090
• R/T: $51,590
• R/T Plus: $54,590
• R/T Premium: $58,090
• R/T 20th Anniversary Plus: $64,065
• R/T 20th Anniversary Premium: $67,565

Ford hinted that the 2025 Explorer would bring a major redesign, but that never happened. Inside, you’ll find more soft-touch materials, and Ford’s new Digital Experience system lets you stream videos, browse the web, or play games through Google Play (as long as you’re parked). BlueCruise hands-free driving is also now available, and the front end got a bit of a facelift with a new grille, lights, and bumper styling.

For 2025, the Explorer lineup is simpler with just four trims: Active (formerly the base), ST-Line, ST, and the upscale Platinum, which now offers an optional black-painted roof. The Tremor trim has yet to be released.

• Active: $41,380
• ST-Line: $46,190
• Tremor: $52,000 (est)
• Platinum: $53,695
• ST: $55,835

The Durango comes standard with a 295-horsepower V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Need more muscle? Opt for the available 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V8—it’s the better pick if towing is a priority. (Just a note—you will pay more at the pump for this engine.)

Here’s how towing stacks up:

• With the 3.6L V6, rear- or all-wheel-drive models can handle up to 6,200 pounds
• Step up to the V8 with all-wheel drive, and you’ll get 7,200 pounds of towing capacity or up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Explorer lineup starts strong with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque in the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models. If you want more muscle, the ST trim steps it up with a 3.0-liter turbo V6, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. (You can even opt for this engine in the Platinum trim.) All engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive available.

When it comes to towing, the Explorer can’t achieve what the Durango can, even with its coveted Class III Towing package, which includes a trailer hitch wiring harness and sway control system. It hauls up to 5,000 pounds.