Dodge Durango vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2026 Comparison

Wareing Belle Fourche CDJR

How the two compare on towing, power, 4×4 hardware, and seating, so you can pick the right family SUV.

The 2026 Dodge Durango is the tow and V8 pick, with up to 8,700 pounds of towing on properly equipped GT HEMI V8 Tow N Go and SRT Hellcat models. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 4×4 and efficiency pick, with a new 324-horsepower Hurricane 4 Turbo, up to 6,200 pounds of towing when properly equipped, and two available 4×4 systems.

We sell both at our Belle Fourche store, so you can drive them back to back. Figures come from dodge.com and jeep.com, checked November 2, 2026. Confirm the window sticker on the vehicle you buy.

Durango vs Grand Cherokee at a glance

Grand Cherokee pricing starts at $38,920 MSRP per jeep.com. Check current Durango pricing and offers with our sales team, since trim and package mix changes the number fast.

Towing and power

Durango has the higher tow rating. Dodge lists a best-in-class available towing capacity of 8,700 pounds on GT HEMI V8 models with Tow N Go and on SRT Hellcat models. The R/T 392 now carries the 6.4L HEMI V8 with 475 maximum horsepower.

Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. Check the rating for the engine and package on the truck you want. The new 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo makes 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft and is not offered on Laredo or Laredo X. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 makes 293 horsepower and is standard on Laredo and Laredo X.

If your loaded camper is heavier than 6,200 pounds, look at a Durango with the right package. Either way, check the tow rating, payload, and hitch for the exact vehicle against your loaded trailer weight before you buy.

4×4 hardware and western South Dakota winters

Grand Cherokee has more off-road hardware on paper. Jeep offers two 4×4 systems, Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential. On equipped models, the Selec-Terrain dial offers modes such as Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand. Available modes vary by trim. Available Quadra-Lift air suspension raises the body for obstacles and lowers it at highway speed.

Durango is a road-first SUV and does not carry Jeep trail hardware. Ask us which Durango trims have all-wheel drive. For ranch lanes and Black Hills forest roads, compare the Grand Cherokee’s 4×4 equipment on the sticker. Read more in our Jeep 4×4 systems guide.

Seating, cargo, and tech

Durango offers available third-row seating, over 50 seating configurations, and up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space according to Dodge. Dodge lists a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The two-row Grand Cherokee seats five. If you need a third row, look at the Grand Cherokee L. Our Grand Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee L guide covers that split. Grand Cherokee gets a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 NAV screen for 2026 and the available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist System.

Which SUV should you buy?

• Pick the Durango if you tow a heavy camper or boat, want a V8, or need a third row with lots of cargo room.
• Pick the Grand Cherokee if you want Jeep 4×4 hardware and the 12.3-inch screen.
• Pick the Grand Cherokee L if you want Jeep capability with three rows.

Call ahead to check which ones are on our lot at 30 5th Ave, then drive both on the same loop.

Durango vs Grand Cherokee FAQ