2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a more modern appeal, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model offered various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, stood out for its design, featuring the signature Lexus spindle grille and refined styling akin to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather with open-pore wood trim, and the F Sport variant added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its familiar yet attractive appearance. It avoided oversized grilles, opting for clean, car-like styling with slim headlights and a distinctive rear with Dodge’s “racetrack” taillights. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle yet unique styling cues, such as a Viper-like hood and dual exhaust outlets. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, and expanded its colour palette with new options. Inside, the Durango provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to each trim level, and higher trims like the Citadel offered luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, offering the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, enhancing its performance on winding roads. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport.

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 horsepower, while the SRT 392’s 6.4-litre V8 offered 475 horsepower. The SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, boasted 710 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 seconds. The Durango’s performance was impressive, especially in the Hellcat, with adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes ensuring control. However, its size made it less agile on twisty roads.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior space, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. It offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated options, and rear passengers enjoyed ample room and conveniences like USB ports. The NX featured a panoramic sunroof and a 14% increase in cargo space, offering 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Dodge Durango accommodated seven or six passengers, with configurations including second-row captain’s chairs. It offered competitive headroom and legroom compared to rivals, though cargo space was less than some competitors, with 487 litres behind the third row and 2,409 litres with seats folded. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 2,812 kg and V8 models up to 3,946 kg.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreens, voice recognition, and cloud-based services. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch option available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker sound system, and an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The NX offered advanced features like a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch screen with wireless connectivity and Uconnect 5. The system was user-friendly, with performance apps on SRT models. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and new technologies such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. It offered standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but other driver-assist technologies were not standard across all trims.