The short answer
Durango tows the most of the three (up to 8,700 lb with the GT HEMI Tow 'n Go or SRT Hellcat, per Dodge), Tahoe has by far the most space (122.7 cu ft max cargo) and a diesel option, and Explorer is the lightest and lowest-priced, with up to 400 hp and 5,000 lb towing.
On our stickers, a 2027 Durango GT HEMI V8 Blacktop AWD totaled $51,910 with destination; a 2027 Explorer ST-Line 4WD had a $46,200 base. Chevrolet lists the 2027 Tahoe from $61,500 (LS).
Side by side
| Dodge Durango | Chevrolet Tahoe | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | Third row available; Dodge cites over 50 seating configurations | Up to 9 (available on LS, per Chevrolet); captain's chairs available on LT, RST, Z71, standard on Premier and High Country | Up to 7 |
| Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 (GT HEMI); 6.4L HEMI 475 hp (R/T 392); supercharged SRT Hellcat | 5.3L V8 355 hp; 6.2L V8 420 hp; Duramax 3.0L diesel 305 hp / 495 lb-ft | 2.3L EcoBoost 300 hp; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 400 hp (ST) |
| Max towing | 8,700 lb (GT HEMI Tow 'n Go, SRT Hellcat) | 8,400 lb | 5,000 lb |
| Max cargo | 85.1 cu ft | 122.7 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft |
| Price reference | Sticker: 2027 GT HEMI V8 Blacktop AWD, base $43,675, $51,910 total with $1,995 destination | Chevrolet: LS from $61,500; High Country from $84,500 | Stickers (2027, base before destination): ST-Line $46,200; Platinum $52,660; ST $55,660 |
Which fits?
Good fits
- Durango: you tow a boat or camper up to about 8,700 lb and want V8 sound and a smaller footprint than Tahoe
- Tahoe: you carry up to nine people or lots of gear, or want a diesel for highway range (Chevrolet lists up to 624 mi EPA-est. highway range)
- Explorer: your trailer is under 5,000 lb and you want the lowest price and easiest parking
Consider something else if
- You need even more room: Suburban or Expedition MAX
- You tow over 8,700 lb: Expedition (up to 9,600 lb with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, per Ford) or a pickup
What was on the Durango sticker
The 2027 Durango GT HEMI V8 Blacktop AWD (VIN 1C4SDJCT9VC550957) listed the 5.7L HEMI V8 and 8-speed automatic, a $3,600 Plus Package 22T (leather-trimmed bucket seats, ventilated front and heated second-row seats, Class IV receiver hitch and trailer brake controller, among other items), a $2,045 Blacktop Package, $1,995 destination and EPA 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined mpg.
Questions
Which three-row SUV tows the most: Durango, Tahoe or Explorer?
Durango, at up to 8,700 lb per Dodge (GT HEMI with Tow 'n Go, or SRT Hellcat). Tahoe is rated up to 8,400 lb and Explorer up to 5,000 lb.
Which has the most cargo space?
Tahoe, at 122.7 cu ft per Chevrolet, versus 85.8 cu ft for Explorer and 85.1 cu ft for Durango.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
