Dodge
Durango
Toyota
Highlander
Dodge Durango vs Toyota Highlander: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
The Dodge Durango offers power, while the Toyota Highlander excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Dodge Durango if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Toyota Highlander 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.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Highlander 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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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Durango or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Dodge Durango and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Durango or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Durango or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.2 L/100km combined versus 18.1 L/100km for the Dodge Durango, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Durango or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.