Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Dodge Durango
$675
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Ford Explorer
$732
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
3
1
2
Above Average
The Dodge Durango Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 3rd out of 14 for fullsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $675 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Durango.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Ford Explorer Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $732 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Explorer.
“I bought a 1998 Dodge Durango for my teenage son. He has it at college now. It has over 170,000 miles are runs like a champ. We have had minimal issues with this vehicle. This vehicle has been...”
“I bought a 1998 Dodge Durango for my teenage son. He has it at college now. It has over 170,000...”
The Ford Explorer ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
67% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“I have had my explorer for 2 years now. It is an older car, but it still looks and drives great. A Ford still running at 135,000 miles. I bet it will make it to 200,000.”
“I have had my explorer for 2 years now. It is an older car, but it still looks and drives great....”
The Dodge Durango and the Ford Explorer are both midsize, three-row SUVs. The Durango comes with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, while the Explorer comes with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
In the power department, the Dodge Durango and the Ford Explorer have similar standard engines. The Durango’s standard engine has 293 horsepower, and the Explorer has a standard engine with 290 horsepower. For those who want a power upgrade, the Durango’s top engine option is the 475-horsepower HEMI in the SRT performance version. This handily beats the Explorer’s 365-horsepower engine option.
In terms of interior space, the Durango also outdoes the Explorer. The Durango’s 84.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded is superior to the Explorer’s 80.7 cubic feet.
These factors, plus the Durango's better reliability and lower annual repair cost, make it clear that the Dodge Durango is typically the better choice over the Ford Explorer.