What To Know
- The four-cylinder engine is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Grand Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine and 3,500 pounds with the four-cylinder engine.
- However, the Grand Highlander offers a more comprehensive suite of standard features and a more spacious interior, making it a better value for the money.
The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, with new models and innovations emerging to meet the ever-changing needs of drivers. Two recent additions to the midsize SUV segment have sparked intense competition: the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Dodge Durango. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of size, capability, and refinement, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key attributes of these two SUVs to determine which one deserves a spot in your driveway.
Dimensions and Space
The Grand Highlander boasts a slightly larger footprint than the Durango, with a wheelbase that is 1.9 inches longer. This translates to a more spacious interior, particularly in the third row of seating. The Grand Highlander can comfortably accommodate eight passengers, while the Durango offers seating for seven. Both vehicles provide ample legroom and headroom in all rows, but the Grand Highlander’s wider cabin provides a more airy and open feel.
Powertrains and Performance
The Grand Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Durango, on the other hand, has a wider range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 6.4-liter V8. The base V6 produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 engines offer significantly more power and torque.
In terms of performance, the Grand Highlander’s V6 engine provides adequate acceleration and passing power, while the four-cylinder engine may feel underpowered for some drivers. The Durango’s V8 engines offer thrilling performance, but they come at the expense of fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
Speaking of fuel economy, the Grand Highlander has a clear advantage over the Durango. The four-cylinder engine is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Durango’s V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the V8 engines get even worse mileage.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Both the Grand Highlander and Durango are capable of towing heavy loads. The Grand Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine and 3,500 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. The Durango’s maximum towing capacity ranges from 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine to 8,700 pounds with the 6.4-liter V8. Both vehicles also offer impressive payload capacities, with the Grand Highlander able to carry up to 1,640 pounds and the Durango able to carry up to 1,700 pounds.
Interior Features and Technology
The Grand Highlander and Durango both offer well-equipped interiors with a range of features and amenities. Standard features on both vehicles include a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety technologies. However, the Grand Highlander has a more modern and upscale interior design, with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Safety Features
Both the Grand Highlander and Durango have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on both vehicles include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Grand Highlander offers a few additional safety features as standard, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Pricing and Value
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a starting price of $36,420, while the Dodge Durango starts at $36,995. However, the Grand Highlander offers a more comprehensive suite of standard features and a more spacious interior, making it a better value for the money.
Which One is Right for You?
The Toyota Grand Highlander and the Dodge Durango are both excellent choices for families who need a spacious and capable SUV. The Grand Highlander offers a more modern and refined interior, better fuel economy, and a more affordable price point. The Durango, on the other hand, offers more powerful engine options and a higher towing capacity.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, fuel efficiency, and value, the Toyota Grand Highlander is the better choice. If you need more power and towing capability, the Dodge Durango is the way to go.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which SUV has more seating capacity?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, while the Dodge Durango seats up to seven.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander has better fuel economy than the Dodge Durango, with the four-cylinder engine getting up to 29 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Dodge Durango has a higher towing capacity than the Toyota Grand Highlander, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds with the 6.4-liter V8 engine.
Q: Which SUV has a more modern interior?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander has a more modern and upscale interior design than the Dodge Durango, with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander has a lower starting price than the Dodge Durango, making it a more affordable option.