The Grand Cherokee and Durango may share the same parent company and a similar platform, but they also have their own design elements and strong suits that make them unique from each other. So, which one should you choose if you’re looking for the best midsize SUV for sale in Kewanee, IL?
For those comparing the merits of both, read on to discover which one is right for you.
Grand Cherokee vs. Durango Engine Specs
The 2025 Grand Cherokee has two available powertrains to choose from
- 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6: 293 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque
- 2.0-liter I4 Turbo PHEV: 375 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque
The plug-in hybrid engine, which comes with the Grand Cherokee 4xe, gets an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe and is capable of driving up to 25 miles solely on electric power, making it the most fuel-efficient option. On the other hand, the V6 engine has the most towing power.
The 2025 Dodge Durango has three engines available:
- 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6: 295 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque
- 5.7-liter HEMI® V8: 360 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque
- Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V8: 710 horsepower, 645 pound-feet of torque
The Durango takes the cake for the quickest and most powerful engine of the bunch with its supercharged HEMI®, which can reach 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds. The engine comes standard on all Durango SRT Hellcat Special Edition models.
Grand Cherokee vs. Durango Capability
Apart from their available engines, both of these burly SUVs come standard with rear-wheel drive and can be optioned with all-wheel drive for improved road grip and off-road performance.
Considering it’s a Jeep, it’s no surprise that the Grand Cherokee has some formidable off-road chops. It actually has three different 4x4 systems to choose from, including the Quadra-Drive® II with a rear electronically controlled limited slip differential. Other available upgrades include the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording, Selec-Terrain® system with customizable drive modes, and up to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity.
The Durango also has some strong backcountry capability, but it tends to excel a bit more on pavement. Even with the V6 engine, it has a smooth acceleration and driving demeanor, and it boasts a 6,200-pound towing capacity as well. Its souped-up engines perform even better, giving it a max towing capacity of 8,700 pounds and making it an excellent road tripper.
Grand Cherokee vs. Durango Size
Now, let’s take a side-by-side look at their standard dimensions:
|
|
2025 Grand Cherokee |
2025 Durango |
|
Length |
193.5 in |
200.8 in |
|
Width |
77.5 in |
75.8 in |
|
Height |
70.8 in |
72.1 in |
|
Wheelbase |
116.7 in |
119.8 in |
|
Seating capacity |
5 |
7 |
|
Head room (1st/2nd/3rd) |
39.9 / 39.4 / - in |
39.9 / 39.8 / 37.8 in |
|
Leg room (1st/2nd/3rd) |
41.3 / 38.2 / - in |
40.3 / 38.6 / 33.5 in |
|
Cargo capacity behind 3rd |
- |
17.2 cu ft |
|
Cargo capacity behind 2nd |
37.7 cu ft |
- |
|
Cargo capacity behind 1st |
70.8 cu ft |
85.1 cu ft |
The biggest difference is that the Grand Cherokee comes with two rows as standard, while all Durango models come with three rows of seating, which makes the Durango significantly more versatile for families, and many drivers say that its longer profile and wheelbase also give it a somewhat smoother feel on the open road.
However, shoppers who want a three-row Grand Cherokee aren’t completely out of luck—the Grand Cherokee L has an elongated body that measures 204.9 inches, which gives it nearly as much leg room and cargo space as the Durango.
Grand Cherokee vs. Durango Interior
One big-time advantage of the Grand Cherokee is its incredibly well-appointed interior. Whether you pick the two-door or three-door version, it sports high-quality upholstery and classy design, as well as standard tech features like the 10.1-inch Uconnect® 5 center touch screen display. It also has a downright luxurious number of available connectivity features, including a rear seat entertainment system and a class-exclusive passenger touch screen with Amazon Fire TV capability.
That’s not to say the Durango is lacking on the inside, though. It also features the 10.1-inch Uconnect® 5 center touch screen, plus wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM®, and up to five configurable driver profiles. Other standard comfort features include multi-zone climate control and heated front seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Grand Cherokee or Durango Have a Higher Towing Capacity?
The Grand Cherokee maxes out at 6,200 pounds of towing. The Durango’s standard engine also allows it to tow 6,200 pounds, but its max towing capacity with the 6.2-liter HEMI® is 8,700 pounds.
Does the Grand Cherokee Have Three Rows?
The standard Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee 4xe come with two rows and seating for 5, while the Grand Cherokee L has three rows of seating and a max capacity of 7 passengers.
Does the Grand Cherokee Have a V8 Engine?
Jeep recently dropped the HEMI® V8 engine from the Grand Cherokee lineup, making the Pentastar® V6 and plug-in hybrid engines the only options.
Shop Three-Row SUVs for Sale in Kewanee, IL
The Grand Cherokee is a ritzy ride with impressive overlanding abilities, while the Durango is a spacious beauty with downright intimidating performance specs. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but one thing is for certain—they’re both excellent choices for shoppers looking for their next family vehicle.
If you need a little more help deciding which one is right for you, contact our SUV experts to set up a test drive and take them both for a spin, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to ask our friendly professionals about saving money with our new vehicle specials.