Compare the2024 Dodge DurangoVS 2024 Toyota 4Runner

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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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 4Runner uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Durango and the 4Runner 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 and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Dodge Durango is safer than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Durango	4Runner
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	74	267
Neck Injury Risk	34%	47%
Neck Stress	236 lbs.	438 lbs.
Neck Compression	11 lbs.	54 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	339/364 lbs.	488/468 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	295	367
Neck Injury Risk	26%	57%
Neck Stress	156 lbs.	271 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	303/32 lbs.	453/353 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Dodge Durango is safer than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Durango	4Runner
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	1.1 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	111 lbs.	179 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	50	89
Spine Acceleration	34 G’s	36 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	20 inches
HIC	194	507
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	43 G’s
Hip Force	714 lbs.	895 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Durango is 3.4% to 4.8% less likely to roll over than the 4Runner.

The Dodge Durango has a better fatality history. The Durango was involved in fatal accidents at a rate 5% lower per vehicle registered than the 4Runner, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Warranty

There are almost 2 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Durango’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 54 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 22nd, below the industry average.

Engine

The Durango’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 23 more horsepower (293 vs. 270) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6. The Durango’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 25 more horsepower (295 vs. 270) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6. The Durango’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 90 more horsepower (360 vs. 270) and 112 lbs.-ft. more torque (390 vs. 278) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Dodge Durango is faster than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Durango V6	Durango V8	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	7.6 sec	6.4 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	14.9 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88.9 MPH	92.9 MPH	87.3 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Durango gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPG
Durango
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	14 city/22 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	14 city/22 hwy
4Runner
	RWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy
	AWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Durango V8’s fuel efficiency. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights 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 4Runner doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Durango has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4Runner (24.6 vs. 23 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Durango has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the 4Runner. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Environmental Friendliness

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 Toyota 4Runner is only certified to “Low Emissions Vehicle” (LEV) standards.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Dodge Durango, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a five-speed automatic is available for the 4Runner.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Durango’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4Runner:

	Durango	Durango R/T Tow N Go	4Runner
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	15 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.8 inches	12.3 inches

The Durango stops much shorter than the 4Runner:

	Durango	4Runner
60 to 0 MPH	124 feet	138 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Durango has larger standard tires than the 4Runner (265/60R18 vs. 245/60R20). The Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4Runner (295/45R20 vs. 265/70R17).

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 4Runner’s standard 70 series tires. The Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Durango SXT has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 4Runner.

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 4Runner doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

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 Toyota 4Runner has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Durango offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The 4Runner’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Durango offers an optional automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Durango’s wheelbase is 10 inches longer than on the 4Runner (119.8 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

The Durango’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the 4Runner’s (53.6% to 46.4%). This gives the Durango more stable handling and braking.

The Durango GT 4x4 handles at .76 G’s, while the 4Runner TRD Off-Road pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Durango R/T 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road (27.4 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 29.5 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

Chassis

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 4Runner doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Durango GT 4x4 is quieter than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road:

	Durango	4Runner
At idle	38 dB	43 dB
Full-Throttle	76 dB	76 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	69 dB

Passenger Space

The Durango has 13.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 4Runner (141.4 vs. 128).

The Durango has .6 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front hip room, .7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 5.7 inches more rear legroom, 3.5 inches more third row headroom and 4.2 inches more third row legroom than the 4Runner.

Cargo Capacity

The Durango’s cargo area provides more volume than the 4Runner.

	Durango	4Runner
Behind Third Seat	17.2 cubic feet	9 cubic feet

The Durango’s cargo area is larger than the 4Runner’s in almost every dimension:

	Durango	4Runner
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	20”/50”/83”	n.a./42”/66.3”
Max Width	49”	57.7”
Min Width	42.5”	42.4”
Height	36”	39.5”

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Durango GT/Citadel/R/T has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Durango’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the 4Runner’s (6200 vs. 5000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Toyota 4Runner is only 5000 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 4Runner can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Servicing Ease

The Durango has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The 4Runner doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Durango to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the 4Runner.

Ergonomics

The engine computer on the Durango automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The 4Runner’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

The Durango (except SXT)’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Durango’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 4Runner does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Durango and the 4Runner 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 4Runner prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Durango’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 4Runner’s power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Durango’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The 4Runner’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The Durango’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The Durango has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The 4Runner has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Limited/TRD Pro.

The Durango’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4Runner’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

When the Durango with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The 4Runner’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Durango’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4Runner offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Durango has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/TRD Pro. The Durango also offers optional heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the 4Runner.

The Durango has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/TRD Pro.

The Durango has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Pro.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Dodge Durango offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4Runner doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Durango is less expensive to operate than the 4Runner because typical repairs cost much less on the Durango than the 4Runner, including $312 less for a water pump, $11 less for a muffler, $107 less for a starter, $143 less for fuel injection, $86 less for a fuel pump and $736 less for a timing belt/chain.

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