2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, tested in Santa Barbara, California, presented a sleek and understated design. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any overt hybrid indicators. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, reflecting its performance-oriented nature. Despite its popularity, the RX maintained a somewhat blunt appearance, with a front-heavy design and a visually shortened rear end. Inside, the RX offered a minimalist and contemporary cabin, featuring ambient lighting and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury boasted Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a darker, sportier interior with optional Rioja Red upholstery.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th year without a redesign, retained its familiar yet attractive look. It avoided oversized grilles, opting for a clean, car-like style with forward-leaning headlights and distinctive “racetrack” taillights. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had subtle unique features, like a Viper-like hood and dual exhaust outlets. The Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages allowed for further customization. Inside, the Durango offered a comfortable space with materials suited to each trim level. The Citadel and SRT models added luxury touches like Nappa leather and heated seats. The SRT Hellcat test car featured bold red leather upholstery, emphasizing its performance pedigree.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 7.5 seconds to 100 km/h and averaging 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. It included an adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering, enhancing its dynamic capabilities. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 350h was preferred for its balance of efficiency and driving experience.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered multiple powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing up to 295 hp. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 475 hp, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 710 hp, reaching 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Hellcat offered thrilling acceleration, supported by adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes, though it felt less agile on twisty roads.

The Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort with its ten-way power-adjustable seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had sportier seats with standard heating and ventilation. The battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. Cargo space was ample, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with seats folded, surpassing the previous model.

The Dodge Durango offered seven or six-seat configurations, with ample headroom and legroom comparable to rivals. Cargo space was 487 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,409 litres with seats folded. It featured generous small-item storage and optional second-row captain's chairs. The Durango excelled in towing, with V6 models capable of 2,812 kg and V8 models up to 3,946 kg.

The Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription for full functionality. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had usability issues, such as limited screen views and distracting controls. The available head-up display had visibility problems with polarized sunglasses.

The Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment. The larger screen offered wireless connectivity and a responsive interface. SRT models included Performance Pages for performance data. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. Some features had usability issues, such as the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction.

The Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with top marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap test. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included, but other driver-assist technologies were optional.