Compare the2026 Dodge DurangoVS 2026 Lexus TX

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 TX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Durango and the TX 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 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Dodge Durango is safer than the Lexus TX:

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 Lexus TX:

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 has more powerful engines than the TX:

As tested in Motor Trend the Durango GT 3.6 DOHC V6 is faster than the TX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

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

The Durango has 10.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 550h+’s standard fuel tank (24.6 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Durango has 6.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 350’s standard fuel tank (24.6 vs. 17.8 gallons).

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 TX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

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

The Durango stops shorter than the TX:

For better traction, the Durango has larger standard tires than the TX (265/60R18 vs. 255/55R20). The Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the TX (295/45R20 vs. 255/55R20).

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 TX 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 TX; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

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

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Durango’s wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer than on the TX (119.8 inches vs. 116.1 inches).

For greater off-road capability the Durango has a greater minimum ground clearance than the TX 550h+ Luxury (8.1 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the Durango to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Durango’s minimum ground clearance is .1 inch higher than on the TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium (8.1 vs. 8 inches).

The Durango has .5 inches more front hip room and .6 inches more third row headroom than the TX.

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

The engine in the Durango is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the TX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

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 TX isn’t in the top three.

The Dodge Durango outsold the Lexus TX by over two to one during 2024.