Compare the2022 Dodge DurangoVS 2022 Lexus LX

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 uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Durango and the LX 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.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Durango has a standard 850-amp battery. The LX only offers a 776-amp battery.

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.

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

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

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 requires premium, which can cost 5 to 40 cents more per gallon.

The Durango has 3.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the LX (24.6 vs. 21.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Durango’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the LX:

For better traction, the Durango R/T’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LX (295/45R20 vs. 265/55R20).

The Durango SXT’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LX Premium\Luxury’s 65 series tires. The Durango R/T’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the LX’s optional 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 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 has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

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

The Dodge Durango may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 900 pounds less than the Lexus LX.

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 uses body-on-frame design instead.

The front step up height for the Durango is 2.2 inches lower than the LX (19.5” vs. 21.7”). The Durango’s rear step up height is 3.5 inches lower than the LX’s (19.5” vs. 23”).

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

Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus LX is limited to 8000 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 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

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

The Dodge Durango outsold the Lexus LX by almost 15 to one during the 2021 model year.