2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 offered a turbocharged engine option that delivered impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although Mazda planned to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, the 2023 model still provided a sense of quality, refinement, and sophistication across its lineup. The CX-5 was available in six versions, with prices ranging from $31,250 for the GX to $46,755 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding oversized grilles and instead featuring slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and distinctive "racetrack" taillights. The Durango's SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered a variety of appearance packages, such as the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable space with available Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats in higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The more enticing option was the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a fuel economy rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive handling and a firm, connected ride quality.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 hp (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 engine, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured 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 performance was exhilarating, especially on highways, with minimal wind and tire noise.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered improved front seat comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger in most trims. Higher trims included power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, a cramped back seat, and less cargo space compared to some rivals. It provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench. Higher trims featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango offered competitive interior space, with headroom and legroom comparable to other three-row midsize SUVs. It 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. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, the Mazda Connect infotainment system was a source of frustration due to its lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and conscious thought to operate, making it distracting. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance information, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most driver assistance features offered as standard under the i-Activsense banner. Exclusive features on the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS gave it "Good" marks in some 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. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert included on all trims.