Dodge Durango

MANILA, Philippines - Proving that they have put their recession woes behind them, Dodge and Ford have recently fielded their new chariots into the SUV arena. Say hello to the all-new Dodge Durango and the all-new Ford Explorer.

These perennial 4WD light-heavyweights compete in the mid-size 7-seater category, where the trend is headed for increased luxury instead of hard core off-roadability. The Durango, having enjoyed a 2-year sabbatical, has adopted some European flair, not to mention enlist the much needed services of a stylist. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer has also gone through a major overhaul as it looks to stamp its once dominant foothold in the sport-ute realm.

Which truck, er, SUV is better? Read on.

Design

Both vehicles have stepped it up on the design front, sporting more modern personas both inside and out. The Durango and Explorer have now adopted a uni-body construction and abandoned their old body-on-frame make-up. Essentially, the old architecture involved a 4-door body being bolted to a steel frame. Though effective for off-road use, it doesn’t lend for the most sophisticated of vehicle dynamics. By adopting a monocoque build, Dodge and Ford were able to offer more car-like qualities to these behemoths, translating to a smoother drive and ride.

Exterior wise, both cars have very distinguished styles. The Durango boasts of an aggressive front highlighted by the cross-hair grille and projector type headlights. Clean and crisp lines pervade its shape, suggesting an athletic but refined vehicle. Equally changed, the Explorer also has a bold front fascia featuring Ford’s three-bar grille and angular headlights. Many see its Land Rover-esque looks, making clear its intention to move up-market. As far as the aesthetic department goes, I only have one question to ask. Which car can remain looking new 5-6 years down the line? I would say both, since Dodge and Ford have simply done a fantastic job on this regard.

Inside the cabin, excellent build and quality finish are the order of the day. From the dash lay-out, to the leather seats, to the ergonomic controls for the stereo and A/C, both Dodge and Ford are again spot-on. Thick meaty steering wheels greet the driver, while clear and legible dials provide vital info pertaining to the vehicle. The Durango test mule was finished in brown hide set against black panels, while the Explorer had a predominantly black interior with brown inserts. Gaps and tolerances for interior materials have been minimized to render a cohesive feel, while surfaces speak of grade-A quality. Suffice to say, both Durango and Explorer interiors are great places to be in.

As far as design goes, its dead even for both.

Performance

Improvements to both UTEs go beyond skin-deep beginning with the power plants. Although available with a V8, the Durango came with a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 that develops 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 5-speed automatic, the Durango accelerates briskly and has no trouble maintaining speeds in excess of 160 km/h. The Explorer also came with a 3.5 liter Ti-VCT V6 with roughly the same output, 290 horses and 255 lb-ft. Paired with a 6-speed auto, the Explorer is the one with more rapid asphalt devouring pace of the two, attributed partly to its one extra forward gear and lighter weight. The Durango though has better on-road manners in the handling and braking department, as it subjectively inspires more confidence than the Explorer. It is also the quieter of the two at speed. It seems the so-called “European” lessons did pay off…

As far as utility goes, the Durango is able to tow more weight with its 6000 pound rating. The Explorer is able to pull less at 5000 lbs. On off-road, both are equipped with 4-wheel drive, but given their low profile tires (both are fitted with 20 inch alloys wrapped in street biased rubber), I don’t expect either giant venturing far off to Land Cruiser or Defender territory.

Ah yes…fuel economy. The dreaded Achilles heel of American SUVs. Both car makers have fortunately done their homework on this front, and improvements to consumption are indeed realized. But don’t get your hopes too high…thrifty these two are not. On a combined cycle of city and highway driving, it’s the Durango that returns the more decent figure of 7.58 km/L, while the Explorer chalked up a 6.65 km/L consumption. Mind you, the drive was done with some high speed testing, so with a more behaved right foot these figures should improve.

Score 1 for the Durango.

Comfort

Space for 7 full size adults are available in both SUVs, and thankfully the 3rd row is no longer just for little tikes. Being the bigger beast, the Durango offers more elbow and leg room, not to mention has more comfortable seats (Explorer’s seats don’t cocoon you, plus the cushioning is a bit hard). Creature comforts like multi-zone air conditioning, seat air conditioning, reading lights, and cup holders are all there standard for the two.

Even with the improved handling, these SUVs still ride like typical American cruisers and are perfect for long hauls. Both Durango and Explorer feel like you’re in Business Class with the minor exception that the Dodge is more Singapore Airlines while the Explorer is more Cathay Pacific. Both good with just the littlest of nuances.

A narrow edge to the Durango.

Features

Dodge and Ford kitted these sport-utes with a lot of niceties that it’s truly hard to pick what’s better. The Durango comes with a loaded list of standard toys like HID lamps, power operated lift gate, reverse camera, and an integrated infotainment system called UCONNECT. Dodge also put in Adaptive Cruise Control that will automatically slow the vehicle down upon close proximity, and Blind Spot Monitoring System to help sense approaching vehicles from the side.

The Explorer, though it didn’t come with HID, also came with a power lift gate, reverse camera, a fully automatic folding third row (my favorite piece), and complicated at the start but very rewarding MyFordTouch for the car’s infotainment system. It even has voice activation, so functions say for the stereo and climate control can be done through vocal commands. The Explorer also has Terrain Management, a feature that takes away the guess work in selecting the proper 4WD setting. Of course, safety systems like a multitude of airbags and AdvanceTrac with roll stability control is also there.

As much as the Durango is well equipped, the Explorer takes the top spot here.

Pricing

Here is where the reckoning lies. At P3,780,000, the Dodge Durango is almost breaching premium luxury territory. Although you do get a lot of SUV for the price, it is nowhere near the value for money the Ford Explorer is currently offering. At only P2,350,000, the Explorer is practically a deal on wheels.

It doesn’t take an Einstein to do the numbers…the Explorer takes pricing hands down.

The Verdict

I could simply say that with such exhaustive efforts put out by each manufacturer, one resurrecting a dead product, the other infusing new life into a stagnant model, that in reality both can be considered winners. After all, the Durango and Explorer do indeed bring respectability back to their makers. However, you dear readers deserve more than a cop-out. For the level of engineering and style enhancement, driving refinement, passenger comfort, utility, and features, I would personally take the Durango because it is the better choice. But for the sheer disparity in price, not to mention the fact that the Explorer does what the Durango can do almost equally well, in fact better in some areas, it is the better value peso for peso. There can be just one winner, and the honor goes to Ford.