2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's design was characterized by exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and dramatically sculpted rear forms, which some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. However, the interior quality was questioned, with controls and materials feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a familiar yet attractive design, avoiding oversized grilles and opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango's exterior featured slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and distinctive "racetrack" taillights. The SRT models had subtle unique styling features, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered materials suited to its price points, with higher trims like the Citadel adding luxurious features. The Durango also expanded its colour palette for 2023, adding new options like Frostbite and Triple Nickel.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and regenerative brakes to assist with battery charging. While the Highlander Hybrid could accelerate using electric power at low speeds, its gas engine offered limited torque, making high-speed passing challenging. It had a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms, but the lack of power made towing less advisable. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system aiming to maximize efficiency, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as unengaging, with soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of excitement.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing up to 295 horsepower. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 producing 710 hp. The Hellcat's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered thrilling acceleration and minimal wind and tire noise on highways. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes made managing the power easier.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, as accessing it was challenging. The interior offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the centre armrest storage console design was criticized for being unnecessarily complex.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though the Chevy Traverse offered more cargo space. The Durango provided 487 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,409 litres with the second-row seats folded. 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 Hemi V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch display with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to vehicle functions. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims gaining parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" 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. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert included, but other features like adaptive cruise control were not standard.