Compare the2026 Dodge DurangoVS 2025 Lexus GX

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

Both the Durango and the GX 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 crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems and front parking sensors.

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

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

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.

The Durango’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 11 more horsepower (360 vs. 349) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The Durango R/T’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 126 more horsepower (475 vs. 349) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6.

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

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

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Durango V8’s fuel efficiency. The GX 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 GX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

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

The Durango 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 GX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Durango R/T Tow N Go’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

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

The Durango GT’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 GX Overtrail’s standard 70 series tires. The Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the GX’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 GX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Durango has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

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

The Durango GT 4x4 handles at .76 G’s, while the GX Overtrail+ 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 1.5 seconds quicker than the GX Luxury+ (27.4 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

The Dodge Durango may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 700 pounds less than the Lexus GX.

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

The design of the Dodge Durango amounts to more than styling. The Durango has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .36 Cd. That is significantly lower than the GX (.399). A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Durango get better fuel mileage.

The Durango offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The GX doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

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

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 GX can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Durango has a higher standard payload capacity than the GX (1400 vs. 1235 lbs.).

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 GX.

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Durango first among upper midsize suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The GX isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Dodge Durango outsold the Lexus GX by almost two to one during 2024.