2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its previous model year, maintaining its big and boxy appeal. It was available in four trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Execline trim, which was the top of the line, featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its bold exterior styling, the interior design was a mix of simplicity and premium flair, though it was let down by the use of low-cost materials. The abundance of hard, shiny plastics was a disappointment, especially given the SUV's price point, and the lack of linings in storage areas led to unwanted noise and vibration.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, retained its familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed the trend of oversized grilles, opting for clean, car-like styling with slim lines and forward-leaning headlights. The signature "racetrack" taillights added a distinctive touch. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle yet unique styling cues, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, was comfortable and well-appointed, with higher trims offering luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but required premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, its performance was considered leisurely, and the engine's design was dated. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was criticized for being busy and noisy.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine with 475 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine with 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's performance was impressive, with the Hellcat model achieving a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds. The Durango's size did not hinder its acceleration, and it offered a thrilling driving experience with minimal wind and tire noise.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making it easy to access, and the rear side-window sunshades were a thoughtful touch. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. However, the lack of linings in storage areas led to unwanted noise.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. It offered competitive interior space compared to other midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom similar to rivals. Cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic connectivity features, while other trims offered the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and the Uconnect 5 system. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality in the form of 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 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology was criticized for its inability to ignore old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top marks in some areas but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety 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 available on higher trims.