The Dodge Durango and Chevy Tahoe compete with each other every year, giving you some interesting choices of large SUVs to consider.
For several years, these two brutes have locked horns with strong powertrains, impressive capability factors, and seating capacity. The Durango and Tahoe are extremely similar but very different. That makes them excellent models to consider when comparing what you’ll have when you get behind the wheel of each of these two big SUVs. Regardless of your choice, you can’t go wrong with these two SUVs when you want power, performance, and capability.
Pros and Cons of each
Chevy Tahoe
Pros
- Brilliant diesel engine
- Huge touchscreen upgrades
- High towing capacity
Cons
- Tight cargo space with all rows in place
- Thirsty V8 engines
- Not as much cargo space as the Suburban
Dodge Durango
Pros
- Stylish design
- Class-leading towing capacity
- Familiar, user-friendly infotainment system
Cons
- Advanced safety features are not standard
- Poor fuel economy
- Tight third row
What do you get in the Chevy Tahoe?
The Tahoe is a full-size SUV with a truck-based build that has lots of room for people and cargo. You’ll have impressive towing capacity and the choice of several powertrains to give you the driving experience desired. You can fit up to nine people inside this Chevy SUV and enjoy the large infotainment display that is tilted slightly toward the driver, giving you the connectivity desired. When you take the Tahoe out for a drive, you’ll appreciate the superior on-road refinement that makes this SUV easy to drive and enjoy when it’s time for that road trip to visit family or friends.
What do you get in the Dodge Durango?
The Dodge Durango is put up against the Chevy Tahoe mostly because it has powertrains that signal a full-size SUV. Although the Durango is showing its age, it still has all the swagger you need for an amazing drive on any road. You’ll have room for six or seven passengers and can drive perfectly with the standard V6 engine that has enough power for some easy driving pleasure. Still, there are several powertrain options and some great tech in an SUV that feels much more like a unibody crossover than a full-size powerhouse.
Which SUV has the right powertrain?
Chevy Tahoe
The Tahoe has two strong V8 engines and a diesel power plant to give you some big power choices. Most models use the standard 5.3-liter V8 that still makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded V8 is a 6.2-liter model that makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. If you want the diesel setup, you’ll have a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. All three powertrains use a 10-speed automatic transmission to hand the shifting for you.
Dodge Durango
If you choose the Durango, you’ll have the choice of two powertrains for your drive. The traditional Pentastar V6 gets things started with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power and towing capacity, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is the engine for you. This engine delivers 360 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission, giving you some of the best towing power in the midsize SUV class.
What will your passengers see?
Chevy Tahoe
The full-size Chevy Tahoe is much larger in the cabin than the Dodge Durango. This big Chevy has acres of open space, making it easy to carry a large family or fill it with materials required for a weekend project. The wide center console provides plenty of storage for smartphones, beverages, wallets, and keys. There’s a large storage bin under the armrests to fit a backpack or purse, making it easy to put your stuff where you need to. The seats are comfortable, and your passengers will have lots of places to charge devices and put drinks in the cupholders.
Dodge Durango
The contemporary and well-executed design of the Durango gives you the look you want in an SUV that has three rows of seats that are comfortable and easy to enjoy. The third row is smaller than what you’ll find in the Chevy but still adequate for adult-sized passengers. You’ll find lots of cargo space when you fold the seats down, and your passengers will enjoy the comfort and quality of the cabin.
Whether you choose the Dodge Durango or the Chevy Tahoe, you’ll have a winning formula and a powerful SUV that can give you the power and performance desired.
