2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Dodge Durango
When comparing the 2003 Ford Explorer's and the 2003 Dodge Durango's specifications and ratings, the 2003 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The 2003 Dodge Durango has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2003 Ford Explorer's and the 2003 Dodge Durango's specifications and ratings, the 2003 Dodge Durango is a better car than the 2003 Ford Explorer.
2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Dodge Durango Pricing
A used 2003 Ford Explorer ranges from $2,433 to $8,860 while a used 2003 Dodge Durango is priced between $2,243 to $9,264.
2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Dodge Durango Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2003 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value and the 2003 Dodge Durango loses 41.9 percent of its value. This means the 2003 Dodge Durango retains 4.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2003 Ford Explorer.
2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Dodge Durango Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.2 out of 10 while the Dodge Durango's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 22 Best 7-Seater SUVs and the Dodge Durango being ranked 9 out of 22. Out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Ford Explorer is ranked 6 and the Dodge Durango is ranked 12. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 7 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs while the Dodge Durango is ranked 17 out of 31. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 10 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Dodge Durango is ranked 27 out of 66. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 10 out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs while the Dodge Durango is ranked 25 out of 56.
2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Dodge Durango Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.6 out of 10. For the Dodge Durango the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Dodge Durango a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2003 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 210 horsepower, and the 2003 Dodge Durango base engine makes 235 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 418 miles. The Durango is rated to deliver an average of 15 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 450 miles.This gives the 2003 Ford Explorer the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2003 Dodge Durango the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2003 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2003 Dodge Durango, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
2433 - 8860
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
2243 - 9264
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.418989
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Dodge Durango Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.114957 / 10
Reliability:
8.644872 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Dodge Durango Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 25Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 26Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 31Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 56Ranking
45 out of / 49Ranking
48 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 56Ranking
55 out of / 58Ranking
56 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
Like all Dodge products, the three-row Durango is notable for being big, bold, and performance-oriented (on SRT/Hellcat trims). The 710hp SRT Hellcat version is one of the most powerful SUVs ever created.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Amazing performance in SRT and Hellcat trims
- Luxury level content in Citadel and SRT trims
- Three V8 engine choices
- No green (hybrid/electric) option available
- Aging platform
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2003 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Eddie Bauer, Limited, NBX, XLS, XLT
2003 Dodge Durango Trim Levels
R/T, SLT, SLT Plus, Sport, SXT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
7 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 3200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5950 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 19 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
308 / 418 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
13 / 18 / 15
Range (city/hwy):
325 / 450 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4159 lbs
Width:
72.1 inches
Height:
71.9 inches
Length:
189.5 inches
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4379 lbs
Width:
71.3 inches
Height:
70.5 inches
Length:
193.5 inches
Wheelbase:
116 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/70R16