The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse and 2020 Dodge Durango are both domestic midsize three-row SUVs with enough space to fit the entire family. While the two vehicles may technically compete in the same segment, that’s about where the similarities between the two models end.
The Traverse, which can seat up to eight passengers, has been around for more than a decade now. The second-generation model debuted in 2018, and the restyled Traverse showcased a new truck-inspired design more in line with the popular Tahoe and Suburban.
2020 Dodge Durango’s Superior Architecture
There’s no hiding the Traverse’s construction underneath. It’s built on a crossover variant of GM’s FWD-based E2XX platform called the C1XX. The Durango, while also featuring unibody construction, is built on a RWD-based platform shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Durango’s stronger chassis becomes increasingly important in regards to towing capabilities. The Traverse’s max towing capacity is a modest 5,000 lbs.—fairly substandard for a SUV in this class. The Durango meanwhile features a 6,200-lb rating for V6 models, 7,400 lbs. for 5.7L Hemi V8 equipped models, and a best-in-class 8,700 lbs. for Durango SRT models.
2020 Dodge Durango’s Powertrain Advantage
The 2020 Durango’s RWD-based architecture is certainly one component largely responsible for its superior towing capability, but another advantage it has over the Traverse is stronger powertrain options. The Traverse is available with only one engine—a 3.6L V6 producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all trim levels and is available in both FWD and AWD configurations.
The Durango SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, and Citadel are powered by a stout 3.6L Pentastar V6 that delivers up to 295 hp and 26 mpg highway. But the R/T model equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 is where the Durango truly rises above its competition. With 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, the 5.7L Hemi is equipped with variable valve time and fuel saver technology that allows R/T models to reach up to 22 mpg highway. Like most Durango trims, the R/T is available in both RWD and AWD (SRT excluded).
2020 Dodge Durango SRT: In a Class of its Own
Dodge has a storied history as a top performance brand, and now some of that muscle is making its way into their SUV lineup. This is made no more apparent than under the hood of the AWD 2020 Dodge Durango SRT with its 6.4L 392 Hemi V8 engine. Also powering halo performance models like the Challenger SRT and Charger SRT, the 6.4L Hemi yields an astounding 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
This enables the SRT to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and race down the quarter-mile in under 13 seconds—figures simply unmatched by other third-row SUVs in its class. With six-piston Brembo calipers in the front and four-pistons in the rear, the SRT will stop nearly as quickly as it accelerates.
2020 Dodge Durango vs. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Pricing
Pricing will always play a key factor when deciding between two models, and it certainly appears the Durango provides more bang for your buck than the Traverse. The sporty Traverse RS AWD, which competes directly against the powerful Durango R/T AWD, has a starting sticker price of $46,895. The R/T starts at $48,490—a mere $1595 difference for 50 more horsepower, 124 more lb-ft of torque, and 2400 lbs. of additional towing capacity.
Not to mention, the R/T can also be dolled up with racing stripes, red leather seating, and carbon fiber interior accents that really draw attention to the Durango’s performance DNA. In regards to styling, performance, and overall capability, the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is simply outclassed, outmuscled, and overmatched by the 2020 Dodge Durango.
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