2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed the faux ruggedness of some competitors, opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango avoided the trend of oversized grilles, instead featuring slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, giving it a strong presence. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had unique styling features, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors, but these were subtle. The SRT models also had unique wheels and a different front fascia, but the overall shape remained similar to the standard version. Dodge offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to their price points. Higher trims added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, which had aged well and remained modern and appealing. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S. market, featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved the fuel economy of the base engine versions, eliminated a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 lineup included base engine and 2.5 Turbo models, with the Turbo offering 256 hp on premium gas. The CX-5's interior materials, seating, technology, drivetrain, and suspension had been upgraded over the years, resulting in an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price. The CX-5's interior design and quality elevated it above most mass-market rivals, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for four adults.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, 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 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance further 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, though it felt somewhat awkward on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes made managing the power easier.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when using premium gas, delivered 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. On regular gas, it provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing revs to build before utilizing the torque. The CX-5's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km, though the base engine offered better efficiency. The CX-5 felt tall and narrow from the driver's perspective, with excellent outward visibility. Mazda's re-tuned suspension, stiffer frame, and standard AWD contributed to a smoother ride and responsive handling. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced cornering and minimized body motions. The CX-5 excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin, and proved zippy and stable on twisty roads. It could tow up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds).

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat 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, which were optional on GT and R/T models. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom similar to rivals. However, it had less cargo space, 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 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 V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms (8,700 pounds).

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats providing comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on all trims except the base GS and GX, with the Signature trim featuring premium Nappa leather. The CX-5's interior was comfortable for four adults, though snug, with supportive rear seats and soft front seatback material. Rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders and a storage tray enhanced passenger comfort. The CX-5's cabin design and quality rivalled luxury-branded vehicles, with good storage space despite somewhat awkward cupholders. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded, less than most compact crossovers.

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 screens used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen featuring the current Uconnect 5 version. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models, including a burnout-themed animation on startup. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models also included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information such as timers and a g-force meter. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional switchgear, though it allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. Several trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in moderate front overlap and side 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. 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 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera, parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though not in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.