Compare the2024 Dodge DurangoVS 2024 Lexus TX

The Durango has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The TX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Durango and the TX 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, 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.

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’ 2023 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 first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 31 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked 10th.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Durango V8’s fuel efficiency. The TX 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 TX requires premium, which can cost on average about 31.4 cents more per gallon.

The Durango has 10.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 550h+’s standard fuel tank (24.6 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Durango has 6.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 350’s standard fuel tank (24.6 vs. 17.8 gallons).

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

For better traction, the Durango has larger standard tires than the TX (265/60R18 vs. 255/55R20). The Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the TX (295/45R20 vs. 255/55R20).

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 TX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Durango offers an optional full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the TX; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

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 TX’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 TX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Durango’s wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer than on the TX (119.8 inches vs. 116.1 inches).

The Durango’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the TX’s (53.1% to 46.9%). This gives the Durango more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Durango has a greater minimum ground clearance than the TX 550h+ Luxury 4dr Sport Utility (8.1 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the Durango to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Durango’s minimum ground clearance is .1 inch higher than on the TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium 4dr Sport Utility (8.1 vs. 8 inches).

The Durango has .5 inches more front hip room and .6 inches more third row headroom than the TX.

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

The engine in the Durango is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the TX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

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 costs extra on the TX.

The Dodge Durango outsold the Lexus TX by over 8 to one during 2023.