2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick vehicles were known for their softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic that valued comfort over cutting-edge design. However, the Enclave's introduction marked a departure from this approach, as Buick embraced the growing SUV market. The 2022 model, part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured several exterior enhancements, including a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and luxurious seating options, including heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, making it a comfortable and visually appealing choice.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, even as it entered its 12th model year without a major redesign. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the oversized grilles common in many SUVs. The Durango's slim profile, forward-leaning headlights, and distinctive "racetrack" taillights gave it a unique presence. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models added subtle yet muscular styling cues, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango's interior, while not as distinctive as its exterior, offered a comfortable and well-appointed space, with higher trims like the Citadel featuring Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. Despite its age, the Durango's design remained competitive, thanks to periodic updates and thoughtful styling choices.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a straightforward powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave excelled in providing a premium driving experience. The Avenir Technology package further enhanced the ride with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping, ensuring a comfortable journey on various terrains. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was surprisingly responsive, delivering good acceleration and a pleasant engine sound.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially in the SRT models, offering exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windshield and windows. The interior was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably across three rows. The Enclave featured standard second-row captain's chairs, enhancing accessibility to the third row. The restyled center console with push-button transmission gears added convenience, though concerns about potential spills affecting the electronic shifter were noted. The Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. Power-folding third-row seats further facilitated cargo access.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered both seven-seat and six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, providing adequate headroom and legroom across all rows. However, the Durango's cargo space was less generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Small-item storage was plentiful, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. While a power liftgate was available, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback, especially on 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 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with an 8-inch version available on higher trims. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims boasted a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though some users desired more power. The Enclave also offered a range of advanced features, including adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen featuring wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system, used across Stellantis vehicles, provided a responsive and user-friendly experience. The SRT models included unique features like a burnout-themed startup animation and the Performance Pages app, offering performance data and gauges. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model, delivering an immersive audio experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates in safety features, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package becoming standard across all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and more. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera were available on higher trims. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded "Good" marks in some tests but gave a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA rated the Durango with four stars overall, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard safety features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert included on all trims. Forward collision warning and other advanced features were standard only on the Citadel and optional on other models, leaving the base SXT without these options.