2026 Dodge Durango vs. 2025 Chevy Tahoe: Power, Towing, and Real-Life Family Utility

Newport families need torque, seats, and calm road manners. You tow to Fort Adams, run school lines, then hit the market on Thames Street. Two big three-row SUVs sit on the short list: the 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe. 

Engines and personality

Dodge Durango

  • Performance-forward character with available V-8 power on select trims and a clear focus on strong acceleration and towing confidence.
  • Driver-focused cockpit and sportier steering feel than you expect in a three-row.

Chevy Tahoe (2025)

  • Multiple engines including a V8 and an efficient diesel option depending on build.
  • Quiet cabin tuning and big-SUV calm make it easy on long highway runs.

Towing, payload, and weekend life

What you need: a confident launch on a wet ramp and a stable feel in crosswinds. Properly equipped, Durango towing capacities can reach up to the high-eight-thousand-pound range in V-8 configurations, a figure that has long made it popular with boat owners. The Tahoe, when configured with the right package, tows up to the mid-eight-thousand-pound range and offers a very settled, predictable tow feel. Both can handle a typical 22- to 25-foot coastal boat when set up right with the correct hitch, axle ratio, and cooling.

 

Interior space and cargo use

     
  • Durango: Feels more athletic from the driver's seat. Second-row captain's chairs are great for kid gear and quick pass-through to the third row. If you want a driver's SUV with family room, this vibe fits.
    •  
  • Tahoe: The king of cubic feet. If you carry coolers, chairs, and hockey bags, the square cargo area and wide liftgate opening make packing stress low. It is the calm choice.

Ride quality on Rhode Island pavement

Our roads can be patched and bumpy. Durango tracks with a sportier edge. It is quick to respond, so downtown maneuvering is easy. Tahoe delivers a serene, big-SUV glide at highway speed. Pick agility (Durango) versus calm volume (Tahoe).

Safety and tech that help every single day

     
  • Driver assistance: Both offer blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control availability, and helpful parking aids. Check trim bundles to ensure you get the specific items you want.
    •  
  • Infotainment: Big, bright screens; wireless smartphone integration; and multiple USB ports. Long days feel shorter when the cabin tech is easy.

Which one fits your family?

     
  • Choose Durango if you want athletic feel, stout towing confidence, and a driver-centric cockpit.
    •  
  • Choose Tahoe if you want maximum cargo space, very calm highway manners, and broad trim flexibility.

Sources