2027 Dodge Durango vs 2027 Ford Explorer: Full Comparison
The 2027 Dodge Durango out-tows the 2027 Ford Explorer by 3,400 lbs, with a max rating of 8,700 lbs versus 5,300 lbs. The Durango also carries a V8 engine across its full lineup, a distinction no other three-row SUV can match. This page breaks down every key spec side by side so you can find the right model in Kingfisher, OK.
The Short Answer
The Durango wins for buyers who need real towing muscle, V8 performance, or a more aggressive three-row SUV. The Explorer is the stronger choice for buyers who prioritize fuel economy, a more car-like ride, and a modern infotainment layout. Both seat seven and carry nearly identical maximum cargo, so the deciding factors come down to capability and powertrain character, not practicality.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2027 Dodge Durango (GT HEMI) | 2027 Ford Explorer (base) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 |
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Standard drivetrain | AWD (RWD available on GT base) | RWD (AWD optional) |
| Towing capacity | 8,700 lbs (with Tow 'n Go or R/T 392+) | 5,300 lbs |
| Length | 200.8 in | 198.7 in |
| Height | 72.1 in | 69.6 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in (R/T 392, SRT Hellcat) | 7.6 in (base) |
| 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 |
| EPA MPG (base engine, combined) | 16 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 3 yr / 36k mi; 5 yr / 60k mi | 3 yr / 36k mi; 5 yr / 60k mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for 2027 Durango and Explorer
Performance and Powertrain
The Durango's powertrain story is its biggest selling point. The GT HEMI produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque from a 5.7L V8, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Step up to the R/T 392 and that figure drops to 4.4 seconds, backed by 475 hp and 470 lb-ft from the 6.4L HEMI. At the top, the SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2L HEMI produces 710 hp and runs a 3.5-second 0-60 time. Every Durango trim pairs its engine to an 8-speed automatic.
The Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic. The optional 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is available on the ST, Tremor, and Platinum trims. The Explorer is not equipped with a V8, and its base towing ceiling of 5,300 lbs sits 3,400 lbs below the Durango's peak. Buyers in Kingfisher who tow trailers, boats, or equipment on Oklahoma highways will find the Durango's capability margin matters every time.
The Explorer compensates with a 24 mpg combined rating on its base engine versus the Durango GT HEMI's 16 mpg combined. Fuel economy is the Explorer's clearest performance advantage.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
Both vehicles seat seven and reach nearly the same maximum cargo volume, with the Explorer at 85.8 cu ft and the Durango at 85.1 cu ft. Behind the third row, the Durango holds 17.2 cu ft against the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, a slight edge for daily grocery runs or airport trips.
The Durango's interior scales with trim level. The base GT HEMI comes standard with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a 9-speaker Alpine audio system. The Plus and Premium packages add ventilated seats, Nappa leather, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system with an 825-watt amplifier.
The Explorer brings a 13.2-inch center touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5G modem, native Google Maps, and Google Assistant voice controls as standard features. Its B&O sound system is available with up to 14 speakers and 980 watts. The Explorer's tech stack leans into connectivity; the Durango's stack leans into comfort features delivered earlier in the trim walk.
The Durango's cabin sits taller at 72.1 inches overall, which gives it a more truck-like feel. Third-row legroom on the Durango is 33.5 inches versus 31.8 inches in the Explorer, a meaningful difference for adults on longer drives across Oklahoma.
Technology and Safety
The Durango equips every trim with a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM with a five-year trial for Traffic and Travel Link, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitors, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and front and rear parking sensors are all standard. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop arrives on the GT HEMI Plus and R/T 392 Plus.
The Explorer delivers adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a 5G-connected Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to 10 devices as part of its standard Co-Pilot360 suite. The Explorer's built-in 5G modem and native Google integration represent a more current infotainment architecture than the Durango's Uconnect 5 system.
On safety breadth, both vehicles cover collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic detection. The Explorer adds a standard 360-degree camera across trims.
Value and Ownership
The Durango positions itself as the horsepower-per-dollar leader in the gas SUV segment, with the R/T 392 cited by Dodge as delivering the most horsepower per dollar for a gas SUV in its class. Every Durango trim ships with standard AWD (GT base excluded), heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control without requiring an upgrade package. The SRT Hellcat purchase includes one day of instruction at Radford Racing School.
The Explorer offers a stated 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Explorer's fuel economy advantage of 24 mpg combined versus 16 mpg combined on the Durango GT HEMI translates to meaningful savings at the pump over time, particularly for high-mileage daily drivers around Kingfisher and central Oklahoma.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2027 Dodge Durango if:
- Towing 7,200 to 8,700 lbs is a regular requirement
- V8 performance and muscle-SUV character matter to you
- You want standard AWD and standard heated seats without adding packages
- Performance driving, with options like Launch Control and Brembo brakes, is part of the equation
Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if:
- Fuel economy is your top ownership priority
- You want a more modern infotainment system with 5G, native Google apps, and a 360-degree camera as standard
- Your towing needs stay under 5,300 lbs
- A car-like, lower-to-the-ground SUV feel suits your daily driving
For customers in Kingfisher who haul on Oklahoma back roads or need a vehicle that doubles as a capable tower on weekends, the Durango's advantage is structural, not marginal. For suburban commuters focused on efficiency and tech, the Explorer earns its place.
See the 2027 Durango Head-to-Head at Johnsons of Kingfisher
Johnsons of Kingfisher carries the 2027 Dodge Durango lineup, from the GT HEMI to the SRT Hellcat. If this comparison points you toward the Durango, the next step is seeing the specs in person and putting one on a test drive through Kingfisher. Browse current inventory, value your trade, or schedule time at the dealership using the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Dodge Durango tow more than the 2027 Ford Explorer?
Yes. The Durango tows up to 8,700 lbs with the proper towing package, while the Explorer tops out at 5,300 lbs. That is a 3,400-lb gap that separates the two vehicles in any serious towing application.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have a V8 engine?
No. The Explorer is not available with a V8. Its engines are a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder and an optional 3.0L twin-turbo V6. The Durango is the only three-row SUV sold in the U.S. with a V8 available across its lineup.
Which gets better fuel economy, the Durango or Explorer?
The Explorer wins clearly. Its base 2.3L engine rates 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined. The Durango GT HEMI rates 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined.
Which has more third-row legroom?
The Durango provides 33.5 inches of third-row legroom versus 31.8 inches in the Explorer. Adults will notice the difference on longer trips.
Does the 2027 Durango come with AWD standard?
AWD is standard on all Durango HEMI V8 trims. The base GT RWD trim is available with rear-wheel drive only. The Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive on most trims, with AWD as an option.
Which vehicle has the better infotainment system?
The Explorer carries a more modern tech architecture with a 13.2-inch screen, native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a standard 5G modem. The Durango's Uconnect 5 system offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto plus navigation, but lacks a built-in 5G modem.
Can I see the 2027 Durango at Johnsons of Kingfisher?
Yes. Johnsons of Kingfisher carries the 2027 Dodge Durango. Use the inventory link on this page to check available trims and schedule a visit.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* 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.
* Price does not include $89 doc fee.