Compared: 2023 Dodge Durango vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

These two SUVs use their space in different ways.

Sami Haj-Assaad | 

Jul 24, 2023 | 3 min read

Jeep | Dodge

For years, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee shared the same platform. Shoppers who wanted a three-row SUV would opt for the Durango, while those seeking a more rugged, two-row offering would head in the Jeep's direction. Now both vehicles offer three rows of seating, but there are still some key differences between the two.

Jeep | Dodge

Price Tags Match for Durango and Grand Cherokee L

Pricing is one way these two SUVs stand apart. The base rear-wheel-drive Durango SXT starts at around $42,000. The base Durango doesn't include a third row as standard but offers it as a $500 option, while the GT and higher trims come with it as standard equipment.

Not including the SRT and SRT Hellcat models, there are 10 Durango trims, with the most expensive model, the AWD Durango R/T Premium, coming in at around $63,000. That's not the most fully loaded model, as shoppers can still spend an extra $6,000 for the Tow N Go package to get performance equipment such as Brembo brakes and an SRT exhaust. The tow portion of Tow N Go includes a hitch receiver, wiring harness, and trailer brake controls.

Jeep

The 4x2 Grand Cherokee L runs at about $43,000 and includes the third row of seats. There are six trim levels to choose from, with the midlevel Grand Cherokee L Limited starting at about $52,000. The top trim 4x4-only Summit Reserve model is $73,000.

For an extra $4,000, the Grand Cherokee L can also be outfitted with a V8, which powers the Durango R/T models.

Upgrading from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive in both the Durango and Grand Cherokee L is $2,000 across both lines except for the Durango SRT models, which include it as standard equipment.

Dodge

Cherokee L Includes More Safety Features

Entry-level models of both the Durango and the Grand Cherokee L feature an 8.4-inch infotainment display and 18-inch wheels. The Durango comes standard with blind-spot monitoring while the Grand Cherokee L piles on even more standard safety features, such as rear parking sensors and forward-collision mitigation.

Jeep

Both vehicles offer a 10.1-inch infotainment system and a suite of safety equipment and driver aids. Customers can add high-demand creature comforts such as heated front and second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and a four-zone climate control system.

The Durango and the Grand Cherokee L offer the same amount of cargo space behind the third row with 17 cu-ft. When all the seats are folded, however, the Durango has about a half cubic foot more storage. The Jeep has more passenger volume, though.

Dodge

Fuel Economy the Same for Grand Cherokee L and Durango

The two SUVs use similar powerplants and are about the same size, so naturally they feature the same fuel economy ratings from the EPA. Six-cylinder versions of the Grand Cherokee L and Durango put out 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep

Both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive versions of these V6 models return 21 mpg. However, the Durango R/T comes with a 360-hp V8, which is also available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve. It returns 17 mpg in both models.

Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.