2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. It featured a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey vertical cladding, simulating large air intakes. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model contributed to its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding, offering a more cohesive aesthetic. The interior of the Limited trim was particularly appealing, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and a cohesive design that contrasted beautifully with the dashboard and door panels. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a quality feel, though the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its familiar yet attractive appearance. It avoided the trend of oversized grilles, opting for clean, car-like styling with slim lines and forward-leaning headlights. The signature "racetrack" taillights at the back added a distinctive touch. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with functional air inlets and heat extractors. The Blacktop Package allowed for a Hellcat-like appearance on V6-powered Durango GT models, while the Hemi Orange package added a splash of signature orange to the exterior badges and seat stitching. The interior, though not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a comfortable space with materials suited to their price points. The Citadel trim added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats, while the SRT Hellcat test car boasted bold red leather upholstery.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, the Outback struggled with passing and climbing power, and its fuel efficiency was less than expected, returning 9.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The Outback XT models offered a more satisfying experience with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. These models, though less fuel-efficient, provided better acceleration and overall satisfaction. The Outback's Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its excellent visibility and compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces. However, the standard engine's lack of power was a notable drawback, especially at higher elevations.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a classic V8 rumble. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving impressive acceleration times. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, resulting in exhilarating acceleration. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat felt quick and agile, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured the power was manageable, though the Durango's size made it somewhat awkward on twisty roads.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's spacious interior accommodated two adults and two teens comfortably, with ample legroom and storage options. The cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down. The Outback's high ground clearance made it easy to enter and exit, while the robust roof rack was ready for various accessories. However, the vehicle could benefit from more practical storage space in the centre console.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango provided competitive interior space compared to other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space than some rivals, 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 and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback for higher trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system on all trims except the Base, which had a 7-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. The infotainment system was generally functional, though the graphics and voice recognition system were less impressive. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system provided a responsive and user-friendly experience, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the larger screen. The SRT models featured unique Easter Eggs and the Performance Pages app, offering performance information. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Outback received top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. The EyeSight system included a new Automatic Emergency Steering system and a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with top marks in some IIHS 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. The Durango offered limited standard driver-assist tech, 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 available on higher trims.