2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Dodge Durango

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented a compelling alternative to traditional luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had elevated its design and material quality, surpassing other Japanese automakers such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. The CX-90's exterior was a supersized version of the elegant design language seen in smaller Mazda models, featuring a prominent grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels that commanded attention. Inside, the top-tier trims offered a luxurious experience with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, rivaling high-end competitors.

In contrast, the 2025 Dodge Durango, particularly in the SRT Hellcat trim, emphasized a bold and aggressive aesthetic. The Silver Bullet special edition added visual flair with a satin black hood, unique wheels, and dark badges. Inside, the Durango maintained a subdued yet premium feel with dark red Nappa leather and a suede headliner. While the interior was well-constructed, some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury experience. The Durango's design catered to those seeking a more expressive and performance-oriented look.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The CX-90's handling was impressive, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile cornering capabilities. The PHEV variant offered 323 horsepower and a 42-kilometre all-electric range, though it fell short of some competitors in EV range.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasted a formidable 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 645 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 96 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 290 km/h. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, with a combined rating of 17.4 L/100 km. The SUV's performance was enhanced by a competition-tuned adaptive damping suspension, performance steering, and Brembo brakes, making it feel track-ready.

The Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,129 litres available, though it fell short compared to some rivals. The interior featured clever storage solutions, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, creating a pleasant environment for occupants.

The Dodge Durango excelled in interior space, with heated and ventilated front seats and a spacious cabin. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, though they sat low in the cabin. The third row was accessible and offered adequate space for adults. Cargo capacity reached 2,409 litres with seats folded, and the power liftgate added convenience.

Mazda's CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, using a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be distracting. However, personalization features and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience.

The Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The SRT Hellcat included SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition required specificity.

The Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, expectations were high based on previous models.

The Dodge Durango's safety features were basic, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and concerns in IIHS evaluations.