2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a refined, upscale design that was more handsome than the Land Rover Discovery. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and prominent "Explorer" lettering. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and rich Rapid Red paint, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown, with materials that felt subpar for its price range. Despite its high cost, the Explorer's interior lacked the luxury found in competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, making it feel overpriced for what it offered.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, maintaining a straightforward cabin design that felt somewhat dated. Sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango's interior updates were less significant, leaving it in need of a refresh. However, a refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive styling and a reworked cabin. The Durango's trims, from SXT to SRT, offered a range of features, with the SRT standing out for its unique look and performance-oriented design.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's RWD chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a gas-electric hybrid option. Towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 293 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp, while the SRT boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The SRT's performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes enhanced its driving dynamics, while the Uconnect system's Performance Pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a first-class feel. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short journeys, though the bench was too flat for long trips. Cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row but remained competitive, with a total of 2,491 litres available with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 490 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,393 litres with all seats folded. The cabin provided comfortable seating, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, but access was easy thanks to large doors and foldable second-row seats. The Durango's interior featured multiple storage options, including cargo bins and cupholders, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external Wi-Fi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but needed refinement.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's Uconnect infotainment system was available with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering a straightforward menu layout and easy navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems. The semi-digital instrument panel was user-friendly, though smaller than some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing by the IIHS.