2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed the faux ruggedness of other brands, 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, proving that SUVs could have presence without massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had unique styling features, including 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, maintaining a similar shape to the standard front end. 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 Volvo XC90, available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, offered a blend of practicality, safety, and sustainability. The exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, aligning with its luxury SUV status. The XC90 featured various appealing wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter, with most versions sporting a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal. The interior design, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, especially in Ultimate trim. Volvo's wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colours added to the luxury feel. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim enhanced the cabin's elegance. Volvo allowed buyers more flexibility to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to picky customers.

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 lb-ft 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 model 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. The Durango's size didn't hinder its acceleration, providing a thrilling experience, though it felt awkward on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes made managing the power easier.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The battery offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 8.9 L/100 km. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in five seconds. Recharging was straightforward, taking about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, offering versatility. However, the XC90's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge. The SUV was quick but didn't offer thrilling handling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and more cabin noise than expected for a luxury SUV. The steering lacked sharpness and communication, and the brakes faded with prolonged use.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard two 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, 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 within a few centimetres of rivals. However, it had less cargo space, with 487 litres with all three rows in place, 1,226 litres with the third-row seats 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 had a maximum towing capability of 2,812 kilograms for V6 models and up to 3,946 kilograms for V8 models.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats with massage. The XC90 seated seven people, or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good sightlines. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat occupied, cargo space was limited. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 1,854 litres, and with the second-row seat down, it could hold 2,426 litres.

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 had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen featuring the current Uconnect 5 system. The infotainment experience was comparable to more recently redesigned rivals, with a responsive and easy-to-use interface. The SRT 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.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month complimentary subscription for the latter. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave 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 was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard on all trims. Forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were not standard.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as rivals. It included Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, but it struggled with curves and passing lanes. The XC90's ADAS features worked smoothly overall, but a significant error with Pilot Assist shook confidence in the technology.