2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive design. It diverged notably from the rest of the Genesis lineup, featuring the brand's signature two-line lighting that created an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. This effect was slightly less pronounced than in the larger GV80 due to the absence of turn signal repeaters on the front quarter panels. The GV70's design further diverged with its unique shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows, setting it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, featured a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo, dark chrome finishes, and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the 21-inch alloy wheels.

The GV70 offered a wide array of customization options, with more than 100 different colour combinations available, including exclusive matte paints for the Sport grades. The interior featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with Sport trims offering genuine carbon fibre inserts. The cabin boasted high-quality materials, though some plastic elements were present in less frequently encountered areas. The GV70's interior was designed with a focus on luxury and sportiness, offering quilted leather seats and door panels in premium grades, and a backlit graphic design using multicolour ambient lighting for a unique appearance.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed faux ruggedness for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. The Durango's slim styling, forward-leaning headlights, and large lower air intake gave it a strong presence. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle unique styling elements, including a Viper-like hood with functional air inlets and heat extractors, unique wheels, and a different front fascia with a chin splitter and cold-air induction snorkel.

The Durango offered various appearance packages, such as the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to different price points. The Citadel model added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango SRT Hellcat test car featured bold red leather upholstery, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, though it had not yet launched in Canada. The test unit featured a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, boasting higher power figures than several German counterparts. Fuel consumption for this engine was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures.

All GV70 models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, prioritizing the rear axle until traction was needed at the front. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of available torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 featured Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with Sport+ delivering aggressive throttle response and partial traction control disabling. The electronically controlled suspension system on V6 grades used a forward camera to detect road surface changes, balancing comfort and feedback. The GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban environments.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive standard 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, accompanied by a classic V8 rumble.

The Durango SRT 392 featured a 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, producing 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in roughly 3.5 seconds. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, though its size made it less agile on twisty roads. The Durango's adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes provided control over its immense power.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console separating the driver from the front passenger. Intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The infotainment system's raised dial was more user-friendly than the flat panel style in the GV80. Climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims.

The GV70's rear space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades. However, second-row storage was limited, with small door pockets and netting on the front-row seatbacks. Cargo volume behind the second row was 819 litres, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. Overall, the GV70's ergonomics and functionality were above average, though the steering wheel's functions required some acclimation.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench standard on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs, with this setup optional on GT and R/T models. 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 rows 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. Models with second-row captain's chairs included a large centre console for that row. While a power liftgate was available, there was no power-folding third row, which was acceptable on lower trims but less so on higher-end models. 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 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, featuring a standard 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen. The system's graphics were high-resolution, though response times were slower than average. The screen's wide layout allowed for split-screen functionality, accommodating in-car functions alongside Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, though neither was wireless. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster, adding a layer of visual appeal and enabling the Blind View Monitor system.

The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless vehicle start, and a nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while the GT grade and above received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system, used across Stellantis vehicles, was responsive and user-friendly. The SRT models included Easter Eggs, such as a burnout-themed animation on startup and a racing helmet figure in the climate control menu.

The SRT and SRT Hellcat models also featured the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the main touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, either standard or optional.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features and driver assist technologies, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row, notifying the driver through graphics and audible alerts. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, with lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, was also standard. However, the GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in moderate front overlap and side tests, but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. AWD versions received a three-star rollover resistance rating. Standard driver-assist tech was 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.