2025 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, particularly in the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, offering a toned-down design that appealed to those who found previous Lexus designs too bold. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet available for sale.

In contrast, the 2025 Dodge Durango, particularly in its SRT Hellcat variant, exuded a more aggressive and expressive look. The Silver Bullet special edition package added visual flair with a satin black hood, unique wheels, dark badges, and black exhaust tips. Inside, the SRT Hellcat maintained a subdued yet premium feel with dark red Nappa leather seats and a suede headliner. Despite its solid construction, some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Durango's design catered to those seeking a more assertive and performance-oriented aesthetic.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering an impressive 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 96 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and had a top speed of 290 km/h. The Durango's towing capacity reached up to 3,945 kilograms. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, with ratings of 20.5 L/100 km in the city and 17.4 in combined driving. The SRT Hellcat featured a full-time AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes, providing excellent grip and control. Its performance was likened to a taller Charger, with firm yet responsive handling.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable and luxurious interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seats were less welcoming due to a flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,746 litres with all seats folded. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting comfort when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in interior space and functionality. The SRT Hellcat featured heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa leather, though they lacked secure support during spirited driving. The second-row captain's chairs offered good leg support, and the third-row seat was spacious enough for adults. The Durango provided 487 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,409 litres with all seats folded. The SUV included thoughtful features like rear climate controls, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system through a Drive Connect subscription. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The TX also included a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, providing impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Dodge Durango came with a Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. The SRT Hellcat included SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the voice recognition system worked well, though it required specific commands. The Durango's technology suite was comprehensive, catering to both entertainment and performance enthusiasts.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Proactive Drive Assist feature provided additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors with automatic braking.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were more basic, reflecting its older engineering. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. However, its adaptive cruise control was overly cautious in curves. The Durango received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a concerning three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS's small overlap frontal-impact test results were also a cause for concern.