Which is better, a Dodge Durango or a Toyota Highlander?

For most buyers, the Toyota Highlander is the stronger all-around choice thanks to reliability, efficiency, and strong resale value. The Dodge Durango offers a compelling case for versatilty and raw towing power, especially with a V8, but it comes up short on fuel economy and long-term ownership costs.

This comparison examines two popular 3-row SUVs that often sit at the crossroads of family practicality, performance, and value. The Durango emphasizes horsepower and payload, while the Highlander prioritizes efficiency, technology, and enduring reliability. Read on for a detailed look at how they stack up across powertrains, capability, interior comfort, and total cost of ownership.

Key differences at a glance

Before diving into the specifics, here is a concise overview of where these two models diverge most noticeably.

• Power and towing: Durango offers V6 and optional V8 with higher towing ratings; Highlander provides turbo four, V6, and a capable hybrid, with lower towing capacity.


• Fuel economy: Highlander, especially in Hybrid form, wins for efficiency; Durango’s V8 is a notable gas guzzler.


• Interior and practicality: Durango emphasizes flexible seating and cargo space; Highlander emphasizes modern tech, comfortable seating, and a refined cabin.


• Reliability and resale: Toyota generally leads in long-term reliability and resale value; Dodge has stronger initial power but more variable dependability history.


• Pricing: Entry prices are similar in the base trims, but total ownership costs and available powertrains push these models in different directions as you go up the line.

Bottom line: if you prioritize rugged capability and maximum towing, the Durango is appealing; if you value reliability, efficiency, and a more modern tech suite for the family, the Highlander is typically the safer, smarter bet.

Performance and capability

Powertrains and towing

The Dodge Durango gives buyers a choice of power that leans toward performance: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with about 295 horsepower, and an available 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing around 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Tow ratings range from roughly 6,000 pounds with the V6 to as much as about 7,400 pounds with the V8 and proper equipment.

The Toyota Highlander, by contrast, offers a more two-tier approach: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (about 265 hp) and a 3.5-liter V6 (about 295 hp) in non-hybrid configurations, plus a highly efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option (combined system output around 243 hp). Tow ratings top out at around 5,000 pounds with the V6, while the Hybrid’s rating sits lower due to the powertrain design.

Fuel economy and emissions

Durango models with the V6 typically return in the high-teens to low-20s mpg combined, while the V8 versions dip into the teens. The Highlander, especially in Hybrid form, delivers significantly better efficiency, with real-world numbers generally well into the 30s mpg combined for hybrids and around 21–29 mpg combined for non-hybrid gasoline models depending on drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD).

Interior, technology, and practicality

Interior space and seating

The Durango emphasizes seating flexibility and a broad interior footprint, with capacity for seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. Its third row is usable for kids or occasional adults, and cargo space expands notably when second-row seats are folded. The Highlander emphasizes a modern, well-appointed cabin with three rows of seating designed around passenger comfort and intuitive controls; some trims offer more generous second-row space and easier access to the third row, with a focus on everyday usability.

Technology and features

Toyota’s cabin technology in the Highlander is typically more polished and up-to-date, with standard Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance tech, a user-friendly infotainment system, and strong smartphone integration. Higher Highlander trims offer larger touchscreens, improved audio options, and more seamless over-the-air updates. The Durango also offers a robust suite of tech, especially in higher trims, but its infotainment system and materials may feel more dated compared with Toyota’s latest cabin designs.

Reliability, ownership costs, and resale value

Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability is a major factor in the Highlander’s appeal. Resale value tends to be strong, and maintenance costs over time are typically lower than many peers in this segment. The Durango, while capable and compelling in terms of power and interior space, has historically shown higher maintenance needs and lower long-term reliability scores, which can affect resale value and ownership costs over several years.

Ownership costs include insurance, maintenance, and repair frequency. The Durango’s higher-performance powertrains may entail higher maintenance and fuel expenses, especially for V8 models. The Highlander’s hybrid option, while potentially higher upfront, can reduce operating costs over the vehicle’s life through improved fuel economy and strong reliability.

Bottom line and recommendations

For families prioritizing reliability, fuel efficiency, and a refined driving experience, the Toyota Highlander is typically the better overall choice. It blends comfortable seating, solid safety tech, and excellent resale value with efficient powertrains and a modern interior. If your priorities include maximum towing capability, aggressive acceleration, and flexible seating arrangements with a larger cargo footprint, the Dodge Durango remains an attractive option—especially when equipped with the V8—but it comes with higher fuel consumption and potentially higher ownership costs.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on what you value most: long-term practicality and efficiency (Highlander) or raw power and towing flexibility (Durango). Test driving both, paying close attention to seating comfort, cargo needs, and real-world fuel economy, will provide the clearest answer for your situation.

Summary: The Toyota Highlander is the more balanced, reliable, and fuel-efficient choice for most buyers, especially families who value resale value and lower ownership costs. The Dodge Durango appeals to those who need robust towing capability and a more powerful engine lineup, accepting higher fuel use and potentially higher maintenance over time.

What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?

Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
 
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid

• 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems. 
• 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components. 
• 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users. 
• 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025

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