Families love sport utility vehicles and it's easy to see why. They have plenty of room for all the kids along with their backpacks or sleeping bags. They sit higher than other cars, for a good view of the road. And they are sportier and more attractive than traditional minivans. But which sport utility vehicle is the ultimate family vehicle? In this comparison guide, we'll pair the 2018 Ford Expedition with the Dodge Durango and see which is more likely to bring a smile to parents' lips.
Safety: 2018 Ford Expedition
We all worry about our families. That's why safety is a top priority in vehicles that haul more than a few people. The 2018 Ford Expedition earned 5 out of 5 stars in its national safety testing. On top of that, the Expedition has active safety features available on every trim level. Available features include rear parking sensors, 180-degree front parking camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, active park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and inflatable safety belts for the second-row. The only trim level with all of these options is the Expedition Platinum, but every trim has at least some available.
Meanwhile, the 2018 Dodge Durango received only 4 out of 5 stars in crash testing. This Dodge was dinged for both frontal crash and rollover results. The Durango has comparable safety features, with all of the active tech available by the mid-tier trims, so long as you spring for the Technology Group package. But even with that tech, this category goes to the Ford Expedition for safety.
Space: 2018 Ford Expedition
Some may say this category isn't even fair because the Ford Expedition is a large sport utility vehicle with three rows of seating while the base Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV with two rows. But let's look at exactly what each one offers for your family. First of all, the size difference isn't as huge as it may sound. The Expedition is only 9 inches longer than the Durango. But the difference for passengers inside is huge, especially in the third row where passengers get almost 10 inches more in leg room. If you only plan on putting groceries or car seats in the third row, you might be okay. But, otherwise, we recommend the Expedition.
And in terms of cargo capacity, you have almost double the space in the Expedition. For busy families with lots to carry from here to there, the Expedition again has the space you need to do it.
Reliability: 2018 Ford Expedition
Reliability ratings measure how well the car holds up over time. The more reported major repairs, the lower the score. In the reliability score provided by JD Power and Associates, a score of 3 is average, with a 5 being the highest possible. The 2018 Ford Expedition is perfect with a score of 5 out of 5. Put this Ford through its paces and it'll keep on coming. The Durango, by contrast, is lost in the pack with an average score of 3 out of 5. For a family on the go, lengthy and costly repairs are a huge hassle. With the Ford Expedition, you'll have far fewer.