2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect, a popular design element. Inside, higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price point, though hints of the base trim were occasionally evident.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding oversized grilles. The Durango's slim styling, forward-leaning headlights, and large lower air intake gave it a distinctive presence. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights added to its unique look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle unique styling elements, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, and nearly doubled its colour palette for 2023. Inside, the Durango's interior was comfortable, with materials suited to their price points, and higher trims offered luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided three powertrain options. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. This engine offered a towing capacity of up to 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg and fuel consumption as low as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST model.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, especially in the Hellcat model, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring power was manageable.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. Fully equipped models featured amenities like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The Explorer offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though the Chevrolet Traverse offered more cargo space. The Durango provided 487 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms, and Hemi V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The Sync 3 system included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The outdated Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the GT grade and above received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The larger screen used the Uconnect 5 system, offering a responsive and user-friendly experience. The SRT models included unique features like burnout-themed animations and the Performance Pages app, providing performance information. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results from the IIHS, with "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. Standard safety features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert included on all trims. Forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were not standard but available on higher trims.