Compare the2026 Dodge DurangoVS 2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Dodge Durango has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Navigator doesn’t offer knee airbags.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Durango uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The Navigator uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Durango and the Navigator have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems and front parking sensors.

There are almost 6 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Lincoln dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Durango’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Durango’s reliability 18 points higher than the Navigator.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge above average in initial quality. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is rated below average.

The Durango R/T’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 35 more horsepower (475 vs. 440) than the Navigator’s 3.5 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the Durango gets better mileage than the Navigator:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Durango V8’s fuel efficiency. The Navigator doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Durango has a gallon more fuel capacity than the Navigator (24.6 vs. 23.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Durango has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Navigator. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

For better stopping power the Durango R/T Tow N Go’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Navigator:

For better traction, the Durango R/T Tow N Go’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Navigator (295/45R20 vs. 285/40R24).

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Durango can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Navigator doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Durango offers an optional full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Navigator; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The Durango has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Navigator doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Durango R/T 4x4 handles at .80 G’s, while the Navigator Black Label pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Durango’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the Navigator’s (41 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The Dodge Durango may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 1050 pounds less than the Lincoln Navigator.

The Durango is 9.2 inches shorter than the Navigator, making the Durango easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Unibody construction lowers the Durango’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The Navigator doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

The Durango has 1.6 inches more front headroom, 1.9 inches more rear headroom and .4 inches more third row headroom than the Navigator.

The front step up height for the Durango is 1.3 inches lower than the Navigator (19.7” vs. 21”). The Durango’s rear step up height is 3.3 inches lower than the Navigator’s (19.7” vs. 23”).

The Durango’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The Navigator’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on the Durango, using the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Navigator.

The Durango has a higher standard payload capacity than the Navigator (1400 vs. 1360 lbs.).

The Durango has a higher maximum payload capacity than the Navigator (1450 vs. 1360 lbs.).

When the Durango with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Navigator’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Durango is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Navigator doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Dodge Durango retains 50.72% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 40.85% resale value of the 2026 Lincoln Navigator after five years, which can save the Dodge’s owner up to $40171 in depreciation.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Durango first among upper midsize suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Navigator isn’t in the top three.

The Dodge Durango outsold the Lincoln Navigator by almost four to one during 2025.