2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a range of models, starting from approximately $43,000 for the base GT with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, up to nearly $100,000 for the SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive. The SRT Hellcat Premium model, enhanced with the Silver Bullet special edition package, featured Triple Nickel paint and additional visual upgrades like a satin black hood and dark badges, bringing its MSRP to $115,315. Inside, the SRT Hellcat maintained a subdued aesthetic with dark red premium Nappa leather seats and a mix of suede and leather finishes, though some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged yet customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in aesthetics. Prices ranged from $58,525 for a base 90 model to $120,525 for a 130 V8, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. The Defender 130 X test vehicle, priced at $106,092, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and off-roading technology. Despite its Gondwana Stone paint clashing with orange brake calipers, the interior boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, maintaining an industrial yet quality-focused theme. The Defender's interior was purposeful, with a focus on functionality over luxury.

The 2025 Dodge Durango streamlined its powertrain offerings, with the GT model featuring a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, the R/T with a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, and the SRT Hellcat boasting a 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard on the R/T and SRT Hellcat. The SRT Hellcat's engine delivered 645 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the Durango SRT Hellcat suffered from poor fuel economy, rated at 12/17/13 mpg city/highway/combined. The SUV's full-time AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes contributed to its track-ready feel, though it lacked precision compared to German alternatives.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission connected to a standard AWD system with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2 driving modes, and off-road technology made the Defender highly capable off-road. However, on-road performance was less engaging, with the SUV's weight and steering detracting from driving enthusiasm. The Defender's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, though observed at 16.2 mpg during testing.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior with thoughtful features. The SRT Hellcat Premium model included heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa leather, though the performance seats lacked secure support during spirited driving. The second-row captain's chairs provided good leg support, and the third-row seat was accessible and comfortable for adults. The Durango offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power liftgate's button placement made it easy for shorter individuals to operate.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position offered excellent visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with adjustable armrests for added comfort. The Defender's side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered for easier loading. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. The system included SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Dodge Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The SRT Hellcat model came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and the SRT Performance Pages allowed tracking of performance metrics. The voice recognition system worked well, though it required specificity in commands.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen and a configurable digital driver display. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user interface was more intuitive than previous iterations, and the Meridian premium sound system was notable. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with standard equipment including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and front parking sensors. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating for AWD models. The IIHS had not assessed the Durango in newer evaluations.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender included several driver aids, such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The Defender's lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at the time of review.