2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Kia Sorento

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 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 styling options, while the interior, though less distinctive, provided a pleasant environment with materials suited to various trim levels.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with its siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's exterior featured a robust new grille, vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a larger and more intimidating appearance. The rear received subtle updates, with higher trims boasting LED taillights and new bumpers. Inside, the Sorento showcased a new dashboard with a vast horizontal expanse, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, creating a more upscale feel.

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 Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 100 km/h time of approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring power was manageable.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharged Sorentos achieved zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range, offering lively performance and ample passing power. AWD was standard in Canada, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims providing increased ground clearance. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, equipped with 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, offering a smoother ride and improved grip. The Sorento's towing capacity varied, with the X-Pro rated at 2,040 kilograms (4,500 pounds).

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered 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, providing a more luxurious feel. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom comparable to rivals. However, the Durango's cargo space was less generous, offering 487 litres 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 ample, 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 (6,200 pounds) and Hemi V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms (8,700 pounds).

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, offering comfort in the first two rows but limited space in the third. With 1,052 millimetres of legroom in the front seats and 1,060 mm in the second row, the Sorento provided more room than most two-row SUVs. The third row offered 752 mm of legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's new dash featured ergonomic controls and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was compromised with the third row in use, offering 357 litres, but expanded to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,139 litres with all seats down. Higher trims included a power liftgate for added convenience.

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 versions utilized the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen running the current Uconnect 5 system. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the main touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The gauge cluster varied, with lower trims having a 4.3-inch TFT display, while X-Line Limited and X-Pro models received a second 12.3-inch digital display. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC) software prioritized popular features on the home screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity standard. The system supported over-the-air updates, ensuring long-term functionality. Higher trims offered a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and driving.

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 safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional driver-assist technologies available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Sorento boasted an extensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, and more. Advanced options included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in several IIHS tests, though its LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.