The 2012 Dodge Durango vs. the 2012 Chevy Traverse

 With several crossover variations cropping up across the auto market these days, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell where one vehicle ends and another begins; which is where customers considering the 2012 Dodge Durango and the 2012 Chevy Traverse may get confused. At first blush, the Durango looks to be more of a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) built to accommodate families, while the Traverse looks to be more of a hulking SUV type - but here at Pat McGrath Dodge Country near Hiawatha, we know that when you take a look at the specs, not only is the Durango more stylish, athletic, and affordable than the Traverse, but it is also far more capable.

Powertrains and Capability

While the powertrains on both the 2012 Dodge Durango SXT 4x2 and the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LS may look similar, they are definitely not the same. The 2012 Dodge Durango SXT's 3.6L dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) V6 engine delivers a punishing 290 horsepower at 6,300 rpm. The 2012 Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, comes equipped with a 3.6L DOHC V6 engine that can only muster 281 horsepower at 6,300 rpm. For a vehicle that supposedly caters to a full-size SUV market, the Traverse is bested by the Durango.

More than just numbers, the Durango puts up the practical capability too. When properly equipped, the Durango puts its ponies to work with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs whereas the Traverse can only tow 2,000 lbs at most. When it comes to which vehicle you would rather have helping you with your next adventure, the answer is clearly the Durango.

Interior Comfort

The next question is, which vehicle has the more accommodating interior? We think the Durango wins out in this area as well. With standard features like dual zone air conditioning, steering wheel mounted audio controls, overhead and console storage in the Durango - while not even being available in the Traverse - it's clear that Dodge's crossover has the more enjoyable cabin. 

Schedule a Test Drive at Pat McGrath Dodge Country

So if you're ready to take home a quality crossover SUV for less than the competition - the 2012 Durango's starting MSRP of $28,995 is almost $1,000 less than the Traverse - then stop by Hiawatha-area Dodge dealer Pat McGrath Dodge Country to schedule a test drive . We're confident once you get behind the wheel of the Durango, you will not want to drive anything else. Contact our sales department, today!