2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its design roots tracing back to a 2011 overhaul. Its connection to the Charger muscle sedan was evident, though the platform was undeniably dated. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt outdated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was set for a refresh in 2021, promising more aggressive styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 model offered trims like SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each with varying features from basic 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen in the SXT to the luxury-minded Citadel with chrome touches and a power moonroof, and the performance-focused SRT with unique styling and optional racing stripes.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design that aged well. The King Ranch model featured 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille, and LED headlights, with special emblems denoting its status. The interior boasted Del Rio leather and King Ranch logos, though hard plastics were present, especially in lower trims. Despite its high price, the Expedition's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was notably comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension, which also improved ride and handling.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive acceleration and handling for its size.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the rear wheels, with an optional four-wheel-drive system available. The Expedition excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 9,300 pounds. It offered a smooth driving experience, aided by an adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, though the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. It offered ample cabin space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, though access was easy. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in cargo and passenger space. The standard-length model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the Expedition MAX provided 34.3 cubic feet. With the third row folded, cargo space increased to 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 in the MAX), and with the second row down, it reached 104.6 cubic feet (121.5 in the MAX). The Expedition's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The King Ranch trim featured heated second-row captain's chairs and ample interior storage.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch screen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 system, which was user-friendly but occasionally slow. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Expedition also offered a rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing its towing capabilities.

The 2020 Dodge Durango was equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on other trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition at the time of review.