Crossroad Dodge - Is the Dodge Durango Better Than the Ford Explorer for Towing Around Cleveland, MS?
For many SUV shoppers around Cleveland, MS, the most important question in the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer comparison is simple: which one is better for towing? Both vehicles offer three-row seating, useful technology and the kind of everyday comfort families expect from a modern SUV. However, when towing strength becomes a serious priority, the Dodge Durango moves ahead in a noticeable way. The Ford Explorer lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is helpful for lighter trailers and recreational needs. The Dodge Durango, by contrast, offers Best-in-Class available towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds on properly equipped SRT® Hellcat models, R/T 392 models and GT HEMI® V8 models equipped with Tow ’n Go. That gap matters if your plans include a larger boat, utility trailer, camper or equipment trailer.
The Durango’s advantage is not only about the number on the spec sheet. Dodge supports that towing capability with available V8 power, a strong eight-speed automatic transmission and towing-focused equipment designed to help drivers feel more composed on the road. Around the Delta, towing demands can vary from open highway stretches to rural two-lane roads, construction access routes and busy town traffic. A strong tow vehicle should be able to launch confidently, pass with authority and maintain control when the trailer adds weight behind the SUV. That is where the Durango’s performance-first engineering becomes a major reason to choose it over the Explorer.
Why Towing Capacity Matters in a Three-Row SUV
Many shoppers start with seating capacity when comparing three-row SUVs, then later realize towing capability can change how useful the vehicle feels over time. If a family wants to carry passengers during the week and tow on the weekend, an SUV with limited towing headroom may become restrictive. The Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which works for many smaller loads, but drivers who want more flexibility may prefer the Durango because it gives more room to grow into future needs.
The Durango offers a broader performance range, beginning with the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine and extending through multiple HEMI® V8 options. The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 delivers 295 horsepower and Best-in-Class V6 towing capability of up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. Even that V6 figure is higher than the Explorer’s listed maximum towing capacity. Moving into HEMI® V8 models brings even more confidence, with the 5.7L HEMI® V8 offering 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 producing 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 delivering 710 maximum horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
How the Durango Tow ’n Go Package Helps
The available Tow ’n Go Package is one of the strongest reasons to choose the Durango if towing is part of your regular routine. Available on Durango HEMI® V8 models, this package helps unlock up to 8,700 pounds of Best-in-Class towing capability when properly equipped. It also brings hardware and performance features that support stability, braking, control and driver confidence. Rather than feeling like towing is an afterthought, the Durango is engineered to make towing part of its identity.
- Integrated trailer brake control: Helps manage trailer braking for smoother, more confident towing.
- Class IV Trailer Hitch: Supports serious trailering needs when the SUV is properly equipped.
- Electronic limited slip rear axle: Helps improve traction and control during demanding driving situations.
- Bilstein® Active-Damping High-Performance Suspension: Adapts to the selected drive mode and suspension setting.
- Hard button drive modes: Includes Track, Sport, Tow and Snow modes for quick driver control.
Explorer shoppers can find useful towing ability and available driver-assist technology, but the Ford does not offer a comparable HEMI® V8 lineup or the same maximum tow rating. For a driver who only tows occasionally and keeps loads light, the Explorer may be sufficient. For a driver who wants stronger capability, more engine choice and performance equipment that feels built for the job, the Durango is the more compelling SUV.
Power Makes a Difference When the Trailer Is Attached
Towing is not only about moving a trailer from point A to point B. It is about how the SUV feels while doing it. Strong torque helps when pulling away from a stop, climbing grades or maintaining momentum with passengers and cargo on board. Horsepower matters when merging onto highways or passing slower traffic. The Durango’s available V8 engines give drivers more confidence in those moments, particularly compared with the Explorer’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine and available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6.
The Explorer’s available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 is a strong engine for a midsize three-row SUV, and the ST model adds sport-tuned performance. Still, the Durango reaches into a different performance category. The SRT® Hellcat model’s Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 creates a level of acceleration and muscle that the Explorer simply does not match. Even the Durango R/T 392, with its 6.4L HEMI® V8, gives drivers robust V8 character that feels especially appropriate for towing and confident highway driving.
Passenger and Cargo Flexibility Still Matter
A great towing SUV should not sacrifice the everyday comforts that families need. The Durango stays practical with three rows, seating for up to seven and over 50 seating configurations. With the second and third rows folded, it provides up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space. That makes it useful for hauling luggage, tools, coolers, sports bags or home project supplies when the trailer is not attached. The Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space on some models, so the cargo comparison is close, but the Durango pairs its generous cabin with much stronger available towing capability.
Technology is another Durango strength. The available 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 helps keep controls clear and familiar, while Apple CarPlay® support and Android Auto® compatibility make smartphone integration simple. Up to five custom profiles can personalize comfort and vehicle settings, which is useful when multiple household drivers share the SUV. Available wireless charging, Type A-C USB ports and a 115-volt outlet help keep devices ready for longer days on the road.
Safety and Trailer Awareness
Confidence while towing also depends on awareness. The Durango offers available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection, included with the Trailer Tow IV Package. This system helps alert the driver when something is in the SUV’s blind spot or next to the trailer when changing lanes. That is especially valuable on highways, around busy intersections or when navigating traffic with a longer load behind the vehicle.
Other Durango safety features include ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera, Electronic Stability Control, Advanced Brake Assist with Ready Alert Braking, available Forward Collision Warning with Full Stop, available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop. The Explorer also offers helpful Ford Co-Pilot360® technology and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance, but for towing-specific awareness, the Durango’s available trailer detection feature adds a practical advantage for drivers who regularly pull cargo.
Which SUV Should Cleveland, MS Shoppers Choose?
If towing is one of your top reasons for buying a three-row SUV, the Durango is the stronger recommendation. The Explorer is comfortable, modern and capable for lighter towing needs, but the Durango gives drivers more headroom, more engine variety and a more performance-focused foundation. For families who want one SUV that can manage commuting, passenger space, cargo flexibility and heavier recreational towing, Dodge has the clearer advantage.
- Choose the Durango for towing: It offers up to 8,700 pounds of Best-in-Class available towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Choose the Durango for power: Available HEMI® V8 engines deliver stronger output than the Explorer lineup.
- Choose the Durango for flexibility: Three rows, seating for up to seven and over 50 seating configurations support daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the Dodge Durango tow more than the Ford Explorer?
Yes. The Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped on select models, while the Ford Explorer lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the Dodge Durango offer a V8 engine?
Yes. The Durango offers multiple HEMI® V8 choices, including the 5.7L HEMI® V8, 6.4L HEMI® V8 and Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 on SRT® Hellcat models.
Is the Ford Explorer still a good SUV?
Yes. The Explorer is a useful three-row SUV with available 4WD, strong technology and seating for up to seven. However, shoppers focused on towing power and V8 performance will likely find the Durango better suited to those needs.
Why should towing shoppers visit Crossroad Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram?
Our team can help you compare Durango trims, available towing packages, powertrains and interior options so you can choose an SUV that fits how you drive, haul and travel.