2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a range of models, starting from approximately $43,000 for the base GT with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, up to nearly $100,000 for the SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive. The review focused on the Durango SRT Hellcat Premium, enhanced with the Silver Bullet special edition package, which included Triple Nickel paint and brought the MSRP to $115,315. This package added a satin black hood, unique wheels, dark badges, and black exhaust tips, giving the SRT Hellcat a more aggressive appearance. Inside, the SRT Hellcat featured dark red premium Nappa leather seat faces, a suede headliner, a leather and suede steering wheel wrap, and forged carbon fiber trim. Despite these upgrades, the presence of plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury feel expected at this price point.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, presented a different aesthetic with its black-on-black color scheme and dark gray wheels. While the color combination was less than ideal for a tropical climate, the Wrangler's design remained appealing. Jeep offered the Wrangler in various trims, including the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392, with prices ranging from $34,685 to $63,995. The Sport S model, priced at $49,175, included options like a black hardtop, a Convenience Group, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior was functional, with a focus on utility over luxury. The Wrangler's design evoked themes of American freedom, rooted in its military vehicle heritage, and its capability to traverse diverse terrains.

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a streamlined lineup with three powertrain options. The GT model featured a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, while the R/T model boasted a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine. The SRT Hellcat, however, stood out with its 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 645 pound-feet of torque. All models utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on the GT and all-wheel drive standard on the R/T and SRT Hellcat. The SRT Hellcat accelerated to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, reached a top speed of 180 mph, and could tow up to 8,700 pounds. Despite its impressive performance, the Durango SRT Hellcat suffered from poor fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 12/17/13 mpg in city/highway/combined driving. The vehicle's full-time AWD system, electronic limited-slip rear differential, and competition-tuned adaptive damping suspension contributed to its exceptional handling and performance.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering slightly better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The Wrangler's ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and its disconnected steering feel was disconcerting at higher speeds.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior with thoughtful features. The SRT Hellcat Premium model featured heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa premium leather, though the performance seats prioritized comfort over secure support during spirited driving. The second-row captain's chairs provided a proper backrest angle and good leg support, with adequate legroom for taller passengers. The Durango's interior included a large center console with ample storage, rear climate controls, air vents, USB charging ports, and a household-style power outlet. The third-row seat offered enough room for adults, with a high seating position and thoughtful carve-outs for feet. The Durango's cargo space was generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 43.3 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum volume of 85.1 cubic feet.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler's interior accommodated four passengers comfortably, though rear-seat legroom was limited. Storage space was minimal, with small items often ending up in cupholders due to limited stash space. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate that swung from left to right, with a spare tire mounted on it. The cargo hold offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. The system included SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Dodge Connect and SiriusXM Guardian subscription services, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The SRT Hellcat model came with an Alpine premium sound system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The SRT Hellcat also included SRT Performance Pages, allowing drivers to track acceleration, speed, and lap times, and measure g-forces when cornering.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model included an eight-speaker stereo, with an optional nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Jeep Connect offered access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, passive entry and door locking, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group option pack.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with standard equipment including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and front parking sensors. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating for AWD models. The IIHS's small overlap frontal-impact test raised concerns, and the Durango had not been assessed in newer evaluations.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, with optional advanced driver assistance systems available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on most trims, while forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Sahara trim. Adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights were also available. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating due to the vehicle tipping onto its side.