Toyota Highlander vs Dodge Durango

Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Dodge Durango

The Toyota Highlander demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 84/100 compared to the Dodge Durango's 74/100. Despite the Highlander's higher recall count of 66 over nine years, it maintains a lower estimated annual repair cost of $489 versus the Durango's $675. Both vehicles have similar owner complaint rates per 10,000 sold, with the Highlander at 5.8 and the Durango at 5.4, but the Highlander’s issues are more varied, including power train and air bags, while the Durango commonly faces electrical and engine problems. Overall, the Highlander offers better reliability, particularly in terms of long-term repair costs.

Reliability problem analysis

The Toyota Highlander experiences a higher overall volume of complaints compared to the Dodge Durango, with significant issues in the power train and air bags, the latter having a substantial number of crash-linked complaints (41). In contrast, the Dodge Durango's most prominent issues are with the electrical system and exterior lighting, though neither category has a high incidence of crash-linked complaints. While both vehicles show notable concerns with their power train systems, the Highlander's service brakes and air bags demonstrate more frequent crash associations, suggesting potential safety concerns. The Dodge Durango's complaints are more concentrated in non-safety-critical areas, such as electrical and lighting, indicating different reliability challenges compared to the Highlander.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize low running costs and reliability, the Toyota Highlander is your best bet. With a reliability score of 84/100, it's a dependable choice, and its estimated annual repair cost is a modest $489. Although the Highlander has a higher number of total recalls at 66, its owner complaints per 10,000 sold are slightly higher at 5.8, which is still manageable. However, the Highlander is more prone to issues with the power train, service brakes, and airbags, so if these areas concern you, keep that in mind.

On the other hand, if you value fewer recalls and slightly fewer owner complaints, consider the Dodge Durango. With a reliability score of 74/100, it's a solid choice for those who don't mind a higher estimated annual repair cost of $675. The Durango experiences issues primarily with its electrical system and exterior lighting but has a lower repair frequency of 0.2 times per year. Choose the Durango if you prefer fewer recalls and can handle the slightly higher repair costs.

Cost of ownership

The Toyota Highlander has an annual repair cost of $489, which is $186 less per year than the Dodge Durango's $675. Over five years, this difference accumulates to a savings of $930. Despite the Highlander's higher repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year compared to the Durango's 0.2, both models share the same major repair risk of 13%.

For cost-conscious buyers, the Highlander offers better overall value due to its lower annual repair costs, even if it requires slightly more frequent visits. This makes the Highlander a more economical choice for those prioritizing long-term savings in maintenance and repairs.