2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2025 Dodge Durango Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

One’s a little bit country; one’s a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. That’s the best way to summarize this comparison between the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and Dodge Durango. Technically, these are midsize 3-row SUVs that have room for up to seven, large cargo holds, and a high degree of versatility.

That’s where many similarities end, however. The 4Runner is the type of SUV that yearns for a life outdoors, one where it can tout its off-road prowess and boulder-scaling capability. Can it also get the kids to karate practice? Of course, as can its rival, the Durango.

In standard configuration, the Dodge is roomy and, to be honest, a relatively sedate SUV. The real fun begins when you start adding more hot sauce under the hood, so to speak. A V6 and two V8 engines give the Durango a whole lot more speed and swagger. 

Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the Toyota 4Runner and Dodge Durango.

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is all-new for the 2025 model year. It now comes with two engine options, the i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Both make more power than the outgoing V6 and mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Riding on a box frame makes the 4Runner a rarity among SUVs and gives it more truck-like characteristics. However, Toyota engineers have refined the 4Runner’s driving dynamics to make it more comfortable on-road than a traditional truck might feel.

The 4Runner is a rugged, no-excuses SUV that can handle urban driving, yet it thrives when roads turn rocky or muddy. There are nine trims: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, TRD Pro, and two new variants in the Trailhunter and Platinum. Pricing starts at $42,220, including delivery fees.

Toyota 4Runner Highlights

Reliability and resale value: The 4Runner is the SUV that never dies, not to mention one that holds onto its value. Reliability and exceptional resale value are two reasons car shoppers buy and hold onto them for so long. And even with a new and fairly untested powertrain, if we’re buying a hybrid from anyone, our first choice is likely Toyota.

Hugely capable off-road: Buying a 4Runner and never venturing off-road is like buying a boat and keeping it in a dry dock. The Toyota 4Runner was bred to venture places other SUVs fear to go. The most capable versions are the TRD Pro and new Trailhunter trims. Both come standard with the higher-powered i-FORCE MAX powertrain, 4-wheel drive (4WD), off-road springs and shocks, underbody skid plates, a roof rack, and a multiview all-terrain camera.

Outstanding cargo volume (with a caveat): The 4Runner has a vast cargo area behind the split-folding second row. However, if the optional third-row seat is occupied, the cargo space behind it is paltry. 

Powered tailgate window: Although it is new and updated, Toyota listened to 4Runner loyalists and kept the powered tailgate window standard. This feature is ideal for times when you want to toss something quickly in the cargo hold.

Chech this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 4Runner models near you.

2025 Dodge Durango

2024 model shown

In spite of being introduced for the 2011 model year, the Dodge Durango’s roster of comfort, safety, and technological features has been upgraded aplenty in mid-cycle refreshes. In fact, the Durango boasts one of our favorite infotainment systems. 

Serving as the base powertrain is a 295-hp 3.6-liter V6 that works in cooperation with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A whopping 10 trims are offered for the 2025 model year: GT, GT Plus R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Premium, R/T 20th Anniversary Plus, R/T 20th Anniversary Premium, SRT Hellcat Brass Monkey, SRT Hellcat Sliver Bullet, and SRT Hellcat Hammerhead. Pricing starts at $43,590.

Dodge Durango Highlights 

Gotta go for the V8s: The standard V6 is perfectly capable, except time is running short to get your hands on a Durango with a growling V8. Dodge is phasing out its Hemi V8 engines, as evidenced by the recently discontinued Charger sedan and Challenger coupe. For the moment they’re still kicking in the Durango, however. Combined with available racing stripes and larger wheels, this family truckster can be turned into a 7-seat muscle car. 

Last Call Editions: The 2025 model year brings several special editions to the Dodge Durango lineup. The R/T 20th Anniversary edition celebrates 20 years of the Hemi-powered Durango with a black hood graphic, “345” badging on the front fenders, and Brass Monkey wheels. It’s available with the R/T Plus and R/T Premium packages. Then, there’s the 710-hp triplets: the SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet, SRT Hellcat Hammerhead, and SRT Hellcat Brass Monkey, each with a unique exterior and interior color theme. Unlike the 7-seat lower trims, the Last Call editions have a maximum capacity of six.

UConnect infotainment system: Either the 8.4-inch or available 10.1-inch touchscreen found in the Durango is easy to use and a cinch to navigate while driving. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though wireless connectivity is optional. Other notable tech upgrades include Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and navigation.

More usable third row: Space in the Durango’s third-row seats isn’t what we’d call palatial, though it’s roomier than the cramped confines provided by the 4Runner’s optional third row.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Durango models near you.

Similarities

These two midsize 3-row SUVs do what they are built for very well. Depending on a buyer’s priorities, either an uber-capable off-roader or an SUV with some muscle packs a lot of appeal. Both remain tried and true.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota 4Runner vehicles and New 2025 Dodge Durango vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

This is a quirky decision because, as we’ve pointed out, the 4Runner and Durango are equally adored by fans. We love the Toyota 4Runner for its rugged charm and all-terrain prowess. Now that it’s been given an overhaul, it’s more refined in areas including steering and handling than it ever was before.

With the Durango, we admit to being smitten by its optional V8 engines. The SRT Hellcat is absolute overkill – and good luck finding one on a dealer lot – but it’s also one of the most hilarious machines we’ve recently driven. Even the less manic models have plenty to offer, including class-leading towing capacity and that excellent Uconnect infotainment system.

What seals the win for the Toyota 4Runner is its reputation for dependability and outrageously good resale value.