2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, more handsome than the Land Rover Discovery. The latest model refined its upscale, utilitarian design by slimming down the body panels and giving it a lower, more athletic appearance. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood created a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and rough-grained plastic dominating the cabin. The switchgear was solid, but the overall feel was not up to par with the luxury price point.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with connections to the Charger muscle sedan evident. The cabin design was straightforward but felt dated, especially compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shared the same platform but received more significant updates. The Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year. The trims ranged from the basic SXT to the high-performance SRT, each adding more features and luxury touches. The SRT trim, with its aggressive styling and unique leather-and-suede seats, stood out the most. However, the overall design felt a bit stale and in need of modernization.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing a more balanced weight distribution. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST's powertrain delivered smooth, uninterrupted power, and the suspension and steering were upgraded by Ford Performance. The Explorer ST was nimble, with precise steering and remarkable cornering. The 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, was the most common choice, while a gas-electric hybrid option was available in the Limited trim. The hybrid combined a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. Towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine. The Explorer also offered seven drive modes for various conditions.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with three engine options. The SXT, GT, and Citadel trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim had a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, producing 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or AWD options. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, providing car-like handling and minimal body roll. The SRT's acceleration was impressive, and the Dodge SRT performance pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, making it ideal for long trips. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. The cargo space behind the third row was 18 cubic feet, expanding to 48 cubic feet with the second row folded and 88 cubic feet with all seats down. The Explorer featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, but the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The front seats were comfortable, and the second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was cramped for adults but suitable for children. The Durango had multiple cargo bins, cupholders, and trays for gear. The SRT trim included a second-row center console with cupholders. The power rear hatch button placement was less intuitive than competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Factory navigation was standard on all models except the base XLT. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving features, but the system felt unfinished and less effective than competitors.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, with a tablet-inspired layout and dock icons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and higher trims included navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link. The semi-digital instrument panel was smaller than competitors but functional. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims offered an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available as an option.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. A passenger front knee airbag was standard. The Explorer received an Acceptable rating in the small overlap test on the driver's side from the IIHS.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were optional. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate rating in the driver's side small-front overlap test from the IIHS.