Compare the2022 Dodge DurangoVS 2021 Lexus LX 570

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Durango uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The LX 570 uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Durango and the LX 570 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems and front parking sensors.

There are almost 10 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Durango’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked third.

As tested in Motor Trend the Dodge Durango V8 is faster than the Lexus LX 570:

On the EPA test cycle the Durango gets better mileage than the LX 570:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Durango V8’s fuel efficiency. The LX 570 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Durango V6’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The LX 570 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Dodge Durango uses regular unleaded gasoline (mid-grade octane recommended with the 5.7 V8 engine for maximum performance). The LX 570 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 5 to 40 cents more per gallon.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Dodge Durango at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Lexus LX 570 is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For better stopping power the Durango R/T’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the LX 570:

The Durango stops shorter than the LX 570:

For better traction, the Durango R/T’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LX 570 (295/45R20 vs. 285/50R20).

The Durango R/T’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LX 570’s 50 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Durango can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The LX 570 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Dodge Durango has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Lexus LX 570 has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Durango has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The LX 570’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Durango’s wheelbase is 7.6 inches longer than on the LX 570 (119.8 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The Durango GT 4x4 handles at .76 G’s, while the LX 570 pulls only .73 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Durango R/T 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the LX 570 (27.4 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

The Dodge Durango may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 1050 pounds less than the Lexus LX 570.

Unibody construction lowers the Durango’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The LX 570 uses body-on-frame design instead.

The rear step up height for the Durango is 4.5 inches lower than the LX 570 (19.5” vs. 24”).

The Durango’s cargo area provides more volume than the LX 570.

The Durango’s cargo area provides more volume than the LX 570 Two-Row.

The Durango’s cargo area is larger than the LX 570’s in almost every dimension:

The Durango’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The LX 570’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus LX 570 is limited to 7000 pounds. The Durango 4x4 offers up to a 8700 lbs. towing capacity.

The Durango V8 4WD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Durango can be unhitched and driven around locally. The LX 570 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Durango has a higher standard payload capacity than the LX 570 (1400 vs. 1280 lbs.).

The Durango has a higher maximum payload capacity than the LX 570 (1420 vs. 1280 lbs.).

The power windows standard on both the Durango and the LX 570 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Durango is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The LX 570 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Durango’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The LX 570’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The Durango is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The LX 570 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the Durango owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Durango will cost $6085 to $7535 less than the LX 570 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Dodge Durango will be $44759 to $50728 less than for the Lexus LX 570.