2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Lexus TX

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. Its 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 SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle 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, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to various trim levels.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative yet appealing design. The TX 350 Executive packages included striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced the SUV's presence. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior, equipped with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof, exuded luxury, although the dark Peppercorn interior felt somewhat sombre. Despite this, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

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 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. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring power was manageable.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate.

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. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though the Chevy Traverse offered more cargo space. The Durango provided 487 litres of cargo space 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 generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kilograms for V6 models to 3,946 kilograms for V8 models.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering more space than previous models. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The TX provided numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both versions used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen featuring the current Uconnect 5 system. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror on all but the base package. The Executive packages added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive fidelity.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in moderate front overlap, side, and roof strength tests, but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded 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 included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with optional forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system were also included. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving on approved highways, though Lexus did not offer a higher speed, hands-free driving assist system.