2018 Dodge Durango vs. 2018 Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Dodge Durango and 2018 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Dodge Durango and the 2018 Ford Explorer.
When we compare the 2018 Dodge Durango's and the 2018 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Dodge Durango has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and base engine power. The 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Dodge Durango's and the 2018 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Dodge Durango is a better car than the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2018 Dodge Durango ranges from $17,264 to $42,866 while a used 2018 Ford Explorer is priced between $14,999 to $28,892.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Dodge Durango loses 42.5 percent of its value and the 2018 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Dodge Durango retains 5.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Dodge Durango is 8.2 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Dodge Durango being ranked 17 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 8 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Dodge Durango is ranked 18 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 7. The Dodge Durango is also ranked 25 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Dodge Durango is 8.8 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 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 2018 Dodge Durango’s base engine makes 293 horsepower, and the 2018 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The Durango is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 640 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2018 Dodge Durango the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2018 Dodge Durango has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Dodge Durango, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,013
Price Range:
$17,264 - $42,866
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
361
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
95,625
# Good or Great Deals:
116
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,806
Price Range:
$14,999 - $28,892
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
944
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
92,330
# Good or Great Deals:
304
Dodge Durango Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Dodge Durango
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
42.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Dodge Durango Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 34Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 30Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Summary 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.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Dodge Durango Trim Levels
Citadel, Citadel Anodized Platinum, GT, R/T, Special Service, SRT, SXT, SXT Plus
2018 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
293 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
467 / 640 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
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 Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
47.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
151.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4680 lbs
Width:
85.5 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
201.2 inches
Wheelbase:
119.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
DB Black Crystal Clear Coat
Blue
Blu By You Pearl Coat
Gray
Bruiser Grey Clear Coat / Granite Metallic Clear Coat
Purple
In-Violet Clear Coat
Red
Octane Red Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat
White
Vice White Tri-Coat Pearl / White Knuckle Clear Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Blue
Gray
Not available
Purple
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Light Frost Beige
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Medium Stone
