Compare the2025 Chevrolet TahoeVS 2025 Dodge Durango

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

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Tahoe are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Durango doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Tahoe (except LS with front bench seat) has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Durango doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Tahoe 4WD’s optional Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Durango doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Tahoe’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Durango.

The Tahoe has a standard HD Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Durango only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Tahoe and Durango have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Tahoe has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Durango’s Rear Cross Path Detection doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Tahoe and the Durango have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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 and available all wheel drive.

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

	Tahoe	Durango
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	23%	34%
Leg Forces (l/r)	152/161 lbs.	339/364 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	233	295
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.8 inches
Neck Compression	66 lbs.	86 lbs.

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

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Chevrolet Tahoe is safer than the Durango:

	Tahoe	Durango
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	9 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Femur Force R/L	1.1/.2 kN	5.3/2.5 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	6%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	MARGINAL	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.45/1.01	1.53/.59

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 Chevrolet Tahoe is safer than the Dodge Durango:

	Tahoe	Durango
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	25	46
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	111 lbs.	111 lbs.
Hip Force	118 lbs.	236 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	24 G’s	34 G’s
Hip Force	248 lbs.	446 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	43 G’s

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

Warranty

The Tahoe’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Durango’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 20 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Dodge dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Tahoe’s warranty.

Reliability

The Tahoe has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Durango doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Tahoe has larger alternators than the Durango:

	Tahoe	Durango
Standard Alternator	220 amps	160 amps
Optional Alternator	250 amps	180 amps

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Tahoe first among large suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The Durango isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 141 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 34th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 16 more problems per 100 vehicles, Dodge is ranked 9th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Dodge vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 1 place higher in reliability than Dodge.

Engine

The Tahoe’s standard 5.3 V8 produces 60 more horsepower (355 vs. 295) and 123 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 260) than the Durango’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6. The Tahoe’s optional 6.2 V8 produces 60 more horsepower (420 vs. 360) and 70 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 390) than the Durango’s optional 5.7 V8.

The Tahoe’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 10 more horsepower (305 vs. 295) and 235 lbs.-ft. more torque (495 vs. 260) than the Durango’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6. The Tahoe’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 105 lbs.-ft. more torque (495 vs. 390) than the Durango’s optional 5.7 V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3 V8 is faster than the Dodge Durango V6:

	Tahoe	Durango
Zero to 60 MPH	7.5 sec	8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.7 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.1 MPH	86.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regardless of its engine, the Tahoe’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Dodge only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the Durango V6.

The Tahoe has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Durango doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Tahoe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Durango.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Tahoe	Durango	Durango R/T Tow N Go
Front Rotors	16.1 inches	13.8 inches	15 inches

The Tahoe stops shorter than the Durango:

	Tahoe	Durango
60 to 0 MPH	120.3 feet	127.7 feet	Four Wheeler
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	153 feet	160 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The Tahoe RST/High Country’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tahoe RST/High Country offers optional 24-inch wheels. The Durango’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Chevrolet Tahoe’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Dodge Durango only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Tahoe has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Durango doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Tahoe has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare costs extra on the Durango. Without the option you must depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tahoe’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Durango (120.9 inches vs. 119.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Tahoe is 4.6 inches wider in the front and 4.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Durango.

For better maneuverability, the Tahoe’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the Durango’s (37.8 feet vs. 41 feet). The Tahoe w/24 inch wheels’ turning circle is .2 feet tighter than the Durango’s (40.8 feet vs. 41 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Tahoe Z71 Air Ride has a 1.9 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Durango (10 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Tahoe to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Tahoe uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Durango doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Tahoe Z71 4x4 is quieter than the Durango GT 4x4 (66 vs. 67 dB).

Passenger Space

The Tahoe offers optional seating for 9 passengers; the Durango can only carry 7.

The Tahoe has 26.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Durango (168.3 vs. 141.4).

The Tahoe has 2.4 inches more front headroom, 4.2 inches more front legroom, 4.5 inches more front hip room, 7 inches more front shoulder room, 3.4 inches more rear legroom, 5.8 inches more rear hip room, 6.9 inches more rear shoulder room, .4 inches more third row headroom, 1.4 inches more third row legroom, 7 inches more third row hip room and 12.3 inches more third row shoulder room than the Durango.

Cargo Capacity

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

	Tahoe	Durango
Behind Third Seat	25.5 cubic feet	17.2 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	72.5 cubic feet	43.3 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	122.7 cubic feet	85.1 cubic feet

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

	Tahoe	Durango
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	24”/54”/89.5”	20”/50”/83”
Max Width	49.5”	49”
Min Width	49.5”	42.5”
Height	36.5”	36”

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Tahoe’s (not available on LS) optional second row seats and pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Durango doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Tahoe Premier/High Country’s available liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Durango doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Payload and Towing

The Tahoe’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Durango’s (7700 vs. 6200 pounds).

The Tahoe has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Durango (1746 vs. 1400 lbs.).

The Tahoe has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Durango (1834 vs. 1450 lbs.).

Ergonomics

The Tahoe (except LS) offers an available heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Durango doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Tahoe’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Durango’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The Tahoe’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Durango’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Tahoe’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Durango doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Tahoe’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Enter-N-Go standard on the Durango doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Tahoe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Durango’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Tahoe’s Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Durango doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Tahoe owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Tahoe will cost $495 to $2620 less than the Durango over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Tahoe is less expensive to operate than the Durango because typical repairs cost much less on the Tahoe than the Durango, including $23 less for front brake pads, $161 less for a starter, $223 less for front struts and $242 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Chevrolet Tahoe outsold the Dodge Durango by 59% during 2023.