2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The evolution of the Dodge Durango exemplifies how the Stellantis brand has evolved from a mainstream competitor to Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, and Toyota into a niche brand emphasizing muscle-car attitude.

The Durango was Dodge's first modern SUV, arriving for the 1998 model year as the brand's entry into the midsize SUV segment. The current, third-generation Durango dates all the way back to the 2011 model year. But, as Dodge has found with the Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, a vehicle's lifespan can be greatly extended with an added dose of horsepower.

The 2023 Dodge Durango lineup starts with the base SXT trim level and moves up through the GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT 392. Changes for 2023 for Canada include standard heated front seats and heated steering wheel and some new colours (bringing the total colour palette to nine).

However, the big news for 2023 is the return of the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and its devilish supercharged V8 engine. The Hellcat was previously available only for the 2021 model year as a limited edition, but now it's a regular production model. That being the case, the Hellcat ended up as our test vehicle for this Dodge Durango review.

That’s not surprising, considering how people have adopted SUVs of every size as their favourite kind of vehicle. Back in the mid-1990s, the original RAV4 (Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4WD) ushered in the era of the crossover. Almost 30 years later, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 helps to set standards in its segment, available with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains in trim levels ranging from basic or sporty to rugged or upscale.

Verdict: Last redesigned in 2019, the current-generation RAV4 is nearing the end of its run. But if you’re looking for a dependable, roomy, and practical compact SUV, a 2024 RAV4 will serve you well for a long time to come.