Two popular and capable SUVs compared.
When it comes to family-friendly comfort and versatile capability, few vehicles compare to the utility of an SUV. Offering two- and three-row cabins, all-wheel drive, and confident off-roading chops, today's SUVs can handle whatever you throw their way, whether it's towing a boat, road trips with friends, or weekly carpooling duties.
Two popular models are the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both have been around for decades with their respective third and fourth generations dating back from 2011 until the present. To help you determine the best model for your needs, we've taken an in-depth look at the features and specs of each SUV.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Dodge Durango | Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
|---|---|---|
Average Price | $31,500 | $32,000 |
Performance | ||
Base Engine | 3.6L V6 | 3.6L V6 |
Horsepower | 295 hp | 295 hp |
MPG | 21 mpg combined | 21 mpg combined |
Towing | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs |
Interior | ||
Seating | 7 | 5 |
Cargo Space | 85.1 cu ft | 68.3 cu ft |
Front-seat Legroom | 40.3 inches | 40.3 inches |
Rear-seat Legroom | 38.6 inches | 38.6 inches |
Overall Interior Space | 141.4 cu ft | 105.4 cu ft |
Ratings | ||
Tailpipe Emissions | 414 g/mile | 414 g/mile |
NHTSA Safety Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Features and Trim Options
Dodge Durango
Great for road trips or weekends at the campsite, the Dodge Durango boasts a spacious cabin with standard three-row seating for seven passengers. Inside you'll find adult-friendly legroom and an abundance of features, including these on all 2017–2020 base models:
Load-leveling rear suspension
Hill-start assist
Heated sideview mirrors
Three-zone climate control
Keyless entry and ignition
Power-folding third-row headrests
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Offering seating for five passengers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a plush interior with generous head and legroom no matter where you sit. Well-equipped from the base level, all 2017–2020 models start with these standard features:
17-inch wheels
Foglamps
Dual-zone automatic climate controls
Rear parking sensors
Rearview monitor
Six-speaker audio system
Engine Options
Third-generation Dodge Durangos (2011 to present) come with a choice of three engines. All 2011–2021 models start with a standard 295 hp, 3.6L V6 or you can choose an optional 5.7L V8 with 360 hp. In 2018, the SRT was added to the Dodge Durango line-up and features a 475 hp, 6.4L V8. Three years later, a supercharged 6.2L V8 was added to the high-performance 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat.
2011–2021 Dodge Durango
Standard 3.6L V6
Optional 5.7L V8
6.4L V8 (2018–2021 SRT models)
Supercharged 6.2L V8 (2021 SRT Hellcat models)
You'll find similar engine options in fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokees (2011 to present), including a standard 295 hp, 3.6L V6 in base models or an optional 360 hp, 5.7L V8. An available turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 can also be found in 2014–2019 Grand Cherokees or there's a 475 hp, 6.4L V8 in 2018–2021 SRT models. 2018–2021 Trackhawks top the Grand Cherokee's trims with a supercharged 707 hp, 6.2L V8.
2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Standard 3.6L V6
Optional 5.7L V8
Optional turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 (2014–2019)
6.4L V8 (2018–2021 SRT models)
Supercharged 6.2L V8 (2018–2021 Trackhawk models)
Towing Capacity
When it comes to hauling power, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee share many similarities. Durango's towing capacity is an estimated 6,200 lbs with the 3.6L V6 on 2014–2021 models, when properly equipped, which is the same estimated towing capacity as the 2014–2021 Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6.†††
With the optional 5.7L V8 on 2011–2021 Durango and Grand Cherokee models, towing capacity increases to an estimated 7,400 lbs, when properly equipped.††† But if you like to push the limits on what you can haul, the Dodge Durango is a clear winner with an estimated towing capacity of 8,700 lbs on 2018–2021 models with the 6.4L V8, when properly equipped.†††
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy estimates from the EPA vary, depending on the powertrain and drivetrain you choose. To give you an idea of what to expect, 2016–2021 Dodge Durangos and 2016–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees with base 3.6L V6 engines earn an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined with front- or -all-wheel drive.†† But if you regularly take long road trips and want to limit fuel stops, the 2014–2018 Grand Cherokee with the optional turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 gets more miles to the gallon with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive.††
Tech Features
Both the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee come well-appointed with tech features to help you stay connected on your drive. All 2018–2020 models include a Uconnect® infotainment system, which includes a seven-inch display on base trims or an 8.4-inch display on higher trims. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integrations are also standard on all trims of the 2018–2020 Dodge Durango and 2018–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. But if you're looking for blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, only the 2019–2021 Grand Cherokee offers this as a standard feature.
2018–2020 Dodge Durango
Rearview camera
Seven-inch touchscreen
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
Six-speaker sound system
Two USB ports and auxiliary jack
2018–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Rearview camera
Rear parking sensors
Seven-inch touchscreen
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
Six-speaker sound system
Cargo Space
For trips to the home improvement store or the campsite, the Dodge Durango will impress you with its cargo-carrying capabilities. With all rows in place, 2019–2021 models boast 17.2 cu ft of volume, but folding the third row reveals 44.3 cu ft of storage space.
For larger items, like furniture, 2019–2021 Durangos offer a maximum 85.1 cu ft of cargo room, which far surpasses the 2015–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 68.3 cu ft of maximum capacity. Behind the second row, 2015–2021 Grand Cherokee SUVs provide 36.3 cu ft of volume, which is enough to hold golf clubs or luggage for a quick getaway.
Pricing
Side-by-side, third-generation Dodge Durangos (2011–2021) and fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokees (2011–2021) offer comparable pricing from one model year to the next. Here's a closer look at what you can expect in terms of price:
Dodge Durango
The 2021 Dodge Durango is a newer model year and we currently have a limited number in our inventory. See below for average CarMax prices for previous model years of the Dodge Durango.†
2017—Average prices less than $29,000†
2018—Average prices less than $32,500†
2019—Average prices less than $31,500†
2020—Average prices less than $36,500†
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a newer model year and we currently have a limited number in our inventory. See below for average CarMax prices for previous model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2017—Average prices less than $28,000†
2018—Average prices less than $30,000†
2019—Average prices less than $32,000†
2020—Average prices less than $37,500†
Safety Ratings
The 2019 Dodge Durango achieved an overall four-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee achieved an overall five-star safety rating. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
2019 Dodge Durango
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 4/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 4/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee overall reliability ratings of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as above average.
Dodge Durango
Cost: RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Dodge Durango is $675, compared to an average of $784 for full-size SUVs and $652 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Frequency: According to RepairPal, Dodge Durango owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.2 times per year, compared to an average of 0.4 times for full-size SUVs and 0.4 times for all the vehicle models RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Severity: RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 13% for the Dodge Durango, compared to an average of 15% for full-size SUVs and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Cost: RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Jeep Grand Cherokee is $666, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Frequency: According to RepairPal, Jeep Grand Cherokee owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.3 times per year, compared to an average of 0.4 times for midsize SUVs and 0.4 times for all the vehicle models RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Severity: RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 13% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, compared to an average of 13% for midsize SUVs and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2010–2019 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
*RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 12/31/2018. Learn more.
Performance
All 2011–2021 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee base models start with a 3.6L V6 or an optional 5.7L V8. 2016–2021 Durangos and 2016–2021 Grand Cherokees with the 3.6L V6 return an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined with front- or all-wheel drive.†† You can also find 2014–2018 Grand Cherokees with an optional turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 that gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive.††
For a more sizzling performance, consider the 6.4L V8-powered 2021 Durango SRT or the 2021 Grand Cherokee SRT, which earn a zero to 60 mph time of four seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). High-performance 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat and Grand Cherokee Trackhawk trims, with the supercharged 6.2L V8, are even quicker with a 3.5 second zero to 60 time (according to the manufacturer, when new) and blistering top speeds of 180 mph.
Emissions
Dodge Durango
According to EPA estimates, the RWD 2018–2021 Dodge Durango's 3.6L V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 414 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Dodge Durango's 3.6L V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 414 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the RWD 2018–2021 Dodge Durango's 5.7L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 525 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Dodge Durango's 5.7L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 533 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Dodge Durango's 6.4L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 584 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2021 Dodge Durango's 6.2L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 659 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
According to EPA estimates, the 2WD 2014–2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 3.0L diesel V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 408 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the 4WD 2014–2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 3.0L diesel V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 432 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the RWD 2018–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 414 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 3.6L V6 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 427 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 5.7L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 533 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 6.4L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 592 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2018–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 6.2L V8 tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 664 grams per mile. This estimate is based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
The Bottom Line
There's a lot to love about the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both SUVs are capable, comfortable, and powerful; it comes down to your priorities. If you're looking for an SUV with high tow ratings, generous cargo volume, and the option to carry seven passengers, the Durango comes out on top. But if you're seeking five-passenger comfort and available diesel performance, the Grand Cherokee has you covered.
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