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The 2027 Dodge Durango tows up to 8,700 lbs, a full 3,700 lbs more than the 2027 Ford Explorer's 5,000-lb maximum. The Durango also offers a V8 engine on every HEMI trim, while the Explorer relies on a turbocharged inline-4 as its base. Read the full comparison below, then check available Durango inventory at Tuscaloosa CDJR.
Choose the 2027 Durango if towing capacity, V8 power, and performance-first character matter most to you. The Durango pulls 8,700 lbs and reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds in R/T 392 trim, numbers the Explorer cannot match.
Choose the Explorer if fuel economy is your top priority, since its 2.3L EcoBoost returns 20 city / 27 highway versus the Durango GT HEMI's 14 city / 21 highway.
| Spec | 2027 Dodge Durango GT HEMI | 2027 Ford Explorer (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | RWD standard; AWD optional |
| Max Towing | 8,700 lbs (w/ Tow 'n Go) | 5,000 lbs |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy) | 14/21 | 20/27 |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Max Cargo | 85.1 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 17.2 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Length | 200.8 in | 198.7 in |
| Height | 72.1 in | 69.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in (R/T 392) | 7.6 in (base) |
For Durango R/T 392 buyers, the numbers climb further: 475 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque, and a 12.9-second NHRA-certified quarter-mile. The SRT Hellcat pushes to 710 hp, making it the most powerful gas SUV ever sold. No Explorer trim comes close to those figures.
2027 Durango full specs and trim details
The Durango GT HEMI's 5.7L V8 produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That represents a 22% horsepower increase and more than a one-second improvement in 0-60 time compared to the previous Durango GT.
Move to the R/T 392 and you get a 6.4L V8 with 475 hp and a 4.4-second 0-60 run. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2L V8 delivers 710 hp and a 3.5-second 0-60 time, an outcome no three-row family SUV can equal.
The Explorer's standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. The available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 raises output to 400 hp in federal-states trim and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer ST uses that V6 as standard. Both Explorer engines use a 10-speed automatic.
On the road, the Durango's HEMI character is immediate and linear. The Explorer's turbocharged engines are smooth and fuel-efficient but lack the V8's tactile personality. Durango R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat trims also include Launch Control, Brembo brakes, and selectable drive modes including Track, adding a performance dimension the Explorer ST does not replicate.
Both vehicles seat seven and carry nearly identical maximum cargo. The Durango holds 85.1 cu ft with all rows folded, while the Explorer holds 85.8 cu ft. Behind the third row, the Durango offers slightly more space: 17.2 cu ft versus 16.3 cu ft in the Explorer.
The Durango's interior steps up with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone automatic climate control on the GT HEMI. Premium trims add ventilated front seats, Nappa leather, and an available Harman Kardon 19-speaker system with an 825-watt amplifier.
The SRT Hellcat standard seating is five passengers; seven-passenger configuration requires the optional third-row bench, a detail cross-shopping families should confirm before purchase.
The Explorer's interior is wide and airy, with strong first-row and second-row headroom at 40.7 and 40.5 inches respectively. Third-row legroom is 31.8 inches in the Explorer versus 33.5 inches in the Durango, giving the Durango a small advantage for rear passengers on longer drives through Alabama.
The Durango Jailbreak offers over 50 seating configurations and more than 14 million personalization combinations. That level of customization is unique in the segment.
The Durango comes standard on every trim with the 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, built-in navigation, SiriusXM Guardian, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a 9-speaker Alpine audio system. The 7-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard across the lineup.
The Explorer counters with a larger 13.2-inch center touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, native Google Maps, Google Assistant voice controls, and a 5G modem with Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. The B&O Bang and Olufsen sound system, with 10 speakers standard and 14 speakers available, is a genuine differentiator for audio-focused buyers.
On safety, the Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, which bundles adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
The Durango's standard safety suite covers Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitors, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop is standard on Durango GT HEMI Plus and above.
Both vehicles offer standard blind spot monitoring. The Durango adds available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection, a practical advantage when towing a boat or camper on Alabama waterways.
2027 Durango safety features and tech breakdown
The Durango is the only three-row SUV offering a V8 engine across its entire lineup. That engine-to-segment position is unique and makes the Durango's performance-per-dollar argument strong, particularly with the R/T 392 earning the label of most horsepower per dollar for a gas SUV.
The Explorer's standard AWD is optional rather than included on base trims. Durango GT HEMI AWD includes standard all-wheel drive, which matters for buyers in areas that see winter weather or who regularly tow on uneven terrain.
On warranty, both vehicles offer comparable coverage.
| Warranty Coverage | 2027 Dodge Durango | 2027 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Coverage terms match on paper; confirm final details with Tuscaloosa CDJR at time of purchase.
Fuel efficiency tilts toward the Explorer at 20/27 mpg versus 14/21 mpg for the Durango GT HEMI, a real consideration for daily-driver buyers logging heavy highway miles around Tuscaloosa.
Current Dodge Durango offers and inventory
The numbers tell a clear story: the 2027 Dodge Durango outpulls the Explorer by 3,700 lbs, outpowers it by 60 hp on the base V8, and offers a performance ladder from the HEMI GT all the way to the 710-hp SRT Hellcat that nothing in the Ford lineup can touch. Tuscaloosa CDJR carries new Durango inventory serving buyers across Tuscaloosa and surrounding Alabama communities.
Yes. The Durango tows up to 8,700 lbs with the Tow 'n Go package or on R/T 392 and SRT Hellcat trims, versus the Explorer's 5,000-lb maximum. That is a 3,700-lb advantage for the Durango.
Yes. The Durango offers three V8 options: a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 360 hp on GT HEMI trims, a 6.4L HEMI V8 with 475 hp on R/T 392 trims, and a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 with 710 hp on the SRT Hellcat. The Explorer does not offer a V8.
The Explorer. The base Explorer returns 20 city / 27 highway with the 2.3L EcoBoost. The Durango GT HEMI earns 14 city / 21 highway. If fuel economy is your top criterion, the Explorer has the advantage.
Yes, on all GT HEMI AWD trims, R/T 392, and SRT Hellcat. RWD is available only on the base GT RWD trim. The Explorer offers AWD as an option on most trims, with the Tremor being the only AWD-standard configuration.
The Durango offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom. The Explorer provides 31.8 inches. The Durango has a slight edge for taller third-row passengers.
Both offer strong audio. The Durango's standard Alpine 9-speaker system is capable, with an optional Harman Kardon 19-speaker, 825-watt system on Premium trims. The Explorer's available Bang and Olufsen 14-speaker, 980-watt upgrade is competitive. For audiophiles, both top-tier systems are strong performers.
Tuscaloosa CDJR carries new 2027 Durango inventory. You can browse available units online or visit the store to test drive a GT HEMI, R/T 392, or SRT Hellcat.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. All vehicles that are registered in another state other than Alabama will be accessed a $275 fee to properly handle that state's DMV paperwork.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.