2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. The Durango's slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without resorting to massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a different front fascia. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options, while the interior, though less distinctive, provided a comfortable environment with available luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury with its choice of two powertrains: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6. The Prestige trim, exclusive to the V6, offered six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheel designs. Inside, diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents emphasized the GV80's luxury status. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display further underscored its flagship status. While the Prestige Signature trim was exclusive to the U.S., the regular Prestige trim offered a compelling luxury experience, making it a recommended choice for Canadian buyers.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 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 AWD 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. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring control.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some rivals' V6 engines. The 3.5T model, with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, produced 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but higher fuel consumption. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80 provided five driving modes and 20.5 cm of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kg. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads. The steering, though unremarkable, was comfortable for long drives.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a 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. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, with 487 litres behind the third row, 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 USB ports. Towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kg for V6 models to 3,946 kg for V8 models.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with real or Nappa leather depending on the trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, and a power hands-free liftgate. However, seat comfort was lacking, with the driver’s cushion becoming uncomfortable on long trips. Cargo space measured 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

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. Both used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen offering the current Uconnect 5 version. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with SRT models featuring unique animations and the Performance Pages app for performance data. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 included a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, controlled via a round dial on the centre console. The standard package offered navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, with wireless charging and Genesis Connected Services. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the display was graphically pleasing. The GV80 also featured a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system on Prestige trims, with a head-up display standard in Canada.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test but lower scores in other areas. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with additional technologies available on higher trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter worked well in light traffic but was less desirable in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided a video feed in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.