2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, was a striking vehicle that eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. The interior, however, showcased Lexus's legendary craftsmanship with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet cabin, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained an attractive, clean, almost car-like styling. It avoided the trend of oversized grilles, opting for slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake. The rear featured Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights, giving the Durango a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango also offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, adding to its visual appeal. Dodge doubled the number of available colors for 2023, enhancing its aesthetic versatility.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, enabled a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with its V8 engine and always-on 4WD system, resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX featured a Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) that improved stability and off-road capability, though its slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

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. 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 a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes made its power easy to manage, though its size made it somewhat awkward on twisty roads.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments, though the slow steering required extra effort. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated, but accessing the rear seat was tricky due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a second-row bench or captain's chairs, and a third-row bench. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, offering 17.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for V6 models to 8,700 pounds for V8 models, though it lacked off-road emphasis.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to see and use, though the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad remained. The GX also included a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system was available. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was excellent.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models had an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The larger screen used the current Uconnect 5 system, which was responsive and easy to use. The SRT models featured Performance Pages, providing performance information on the main touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally a teenager, lacked crash-test ratings. It featured Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were also included. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS gave it top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. RWD models received four stars in the rollover test, while AWD models got three stars. Standard driver-assist tech included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking standard only on the Citadel.