Compare the2026 Dodge DurangoVS 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Dodge Durango has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Traverse doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 Traverse doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Durango and the Traverse have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Dodge Durango is safer than the Chevrolet Traverse:

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 Chevrolet Traverse:

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

The Durango’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Traverse’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

The Durango’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 32 more horsepower (360 vs. 328) and 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (390 vs. 326) than the Traverse’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Durango R/T’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 147 more horsepower (475 vs. 328) and 144 lbs.-ft. more torque (470 vs. 326) than the Traverse’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Dodge Durango V8 is faster than the Chevrolet Traverse:

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

The Durango has 5.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Traverse FWD’s standard fuel tank (24.6 vs. 19.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Durango has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Traverse AWD’s standard fuel tank (24.6 vs. 21.7 gallons).

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 Traverse. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

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

For better traction, the Durango has larger standard tires than the Traverse (265/60R18 vs. 255/65R18). The Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Traverse (295/45R20 vs. 275/45R22).

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 Traverse LT’s standard 65 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 Traverse 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 Traverse; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The Durango offers an optional 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 Traverse’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

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

The Durango’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the Traverse’s (56% to 44%). This gives the Durango more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Durango has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Traverse (8.1 vs. 6.8 inches), allowing the Durango to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Durango’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the Traverse Z71 (8.1 vs. 7.8 inches).

The Durango is 3.7 inches shorter than the Traverse, making the Durango easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Durango. The Traverse doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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

The engine in the Durango is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Traverse. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Durango’s front power windows open or close 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 Traverse’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

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 Traverse’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Dodge Durango has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the overhead console. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the Traverse RS/High Country.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Dodge Durango retains 50.72% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 48.14% resale value of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse after five years, which can save the Dodge’s owner up to $2134.95361 in depreciation.

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 Traverse was rated third in its category.