2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its sporty and modern design. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, while the unique gear selection and touchpad controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for a personalized touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding oversized grilles for a cleaner, car-like appearance. The Durango's slim styling and signature "racetrack" taillights gave it a distinctive look. The SRT models featured subtle yet unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a comfortable space with materials suited to various price points. The Citadel and SRT models added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango's interior was practical, with generous small-item storage and available second-row captain's chairs, though it lacked a power-folding third row.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup for improved sporty handling, while the rear multi-link suspension enhanced ride quality. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and highway cruising capabilities, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing up to 295 horsepower. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 710 hp. The Hellcat's performance was exhilarating, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered a thrilling driving experience, with adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes ensuring control. However, its size made it less agile on twisty roads, though it excelled on highways.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity and USB connections in all rows were appreciated. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding down the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function, and interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats and a three-seat second-row bench. The Citadel and SRT models offered second-row captain's chairs. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space than some rivals. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms, while V8 models could tow up to 3,946 kilograms. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback for higher-end models.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification for an exceptional audio experience. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, with built-in Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MDX also offered a head-up display, surround-view camera, and WiFi hotspot, with over-the-air updates for software and firmware.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's lower trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with unique Easter Eggs for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance information, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX's front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and it included a low-speed braking control system. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results from the IIHS, with a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. The Durango offered limited standard driver-assist tech, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard, but other features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were not standard.