2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim, added a four-wheel-drive system and unique bronze accents, including 17-inch wheels and interior stitching. The 4Runner's design evoked a strong Southern California vibe, reminiscent of the 1970s, with its bold stripes and truck-based SUV stance. Inside, the 4Runner maintained a purposeful and solid feel, with easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves. Despite its age, the fifth-generation 4Runner continued to appeal with its rugged look and practical interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a clean, almost car-like styling, avoiding the oversized grille trend. Its slim design, with forward-leaning headlights and distinctive "racetrack" taillights, gave it a unique presence. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle yet distinctive styling cues, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, allowing for customization. Inside, the Durango provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to its price point, and higher trims offered luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and had a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined. The 4Runner excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Various trims offered additional off-roading technologies, such as locking differentials and a Crawl Control system. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing up to 295 horsepower. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 horsepower, while the SRT 392's 6.4-liter V8 produced 475 horsepower. The Durango SRT Hellcat, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8, boasted 710 horsepower, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially in the SRT models, with adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing handling. However, its size made it less agile on twisty roads, though it excelled on highways.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. Its interior offered comfortable seating, with the 40 ASE model featuring SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB ports. While a third-row seat was available, it compromised cargo space and comfort. The 4Runner's cargo area offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of space with the second-row seats folded, and a sliding floor was optional for easier loading.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs optional on certain trims. It offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row SUVs, with 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Durango provided ample small-item storage, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback for higher trims. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with available upgrades like a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system, though dated, was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons. Voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 on higher trims. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with unique features for SRT models, such as performance information displays. The Durango's tech updates kept it competitive, with available features like a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less favorable, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for driver protection in certain tests.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal score from IIHS in the driver-side small overlap front test. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but advanced features like forward collision warning were limited to higher trims.