Dodge
Durango
Owner report available
Honda
Pilot
Owner report available
Dodge Durango vs Honda Pilot
The short answer
The Dodge Durango offers power, while the Honda Pilot excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Dodge Durango if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Honda Pilot if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Durango
Overall
Sentiment is mixed but leans positive, with a clear generational divide. Long-term owner reports for the third generation (post-2011) generally describe it as a reliable, powerful, and practical family hauler when properly maintained. The V8 Hemi engines and the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (available from 2014 onward) receive consistent praise for strong performance, smooth operation, and durability.
Best version to buy
For the refreshed generation (2021+), the R/T trim with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and the ZF 8-speed transmission is frequently recommended as the best balance of performance, reliability, and value. The Tow 'N Go (TNG) package is highlighted as a desirable addition for those needing maximum towing capability.
Known issues
- Water pump failure: A known issue on Hemi V8 engines. Frequency: recurrent.
- LED headlight/DRL failure: Complete assembly replacement required at high cost ($1,600-$2,300 USD); very common, with some owners noting water ingress in tail lights as a related issue. Frequency: very frequent.
- Exhaust manifold bolt failure: Broken bolts on Hemi V8 engines causing exhaust leaks. Frequency: recurrent.
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
The verdict
The Honda Pilot is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Dodge Durango, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Dodge Durango is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Durango or the Honda Pilot?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Dodge Durango and the Honda Pilot. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Durango or the Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot seats more passengers than the Dodge Durango on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Dodge Durango is classed as a SUV, the Honda Pilot as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Durango or the Honda Pilot?
The EPA rates the 2027 Dodge Durango at 13–20 mpg combined and the 2026 Honda Pilot at 20–22 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Durango or the Honda Pilot?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Dodge Durango than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above.