2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the front grille, but the overall look felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling element added interest, while the high-mounted infotainment screen reduced driver distraction. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric seats, however, were prone to dirt and felt less durable, with Softex synthetic leather that lacked the quality of genuine leather found in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a clean, car-like styling without oversized grilles, featuring slim headlights and a distinctive "racetrack" taillight design. The SRT models had subtle unique features, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange, adding personality to the vehicle. Inside, the Durango provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to its price point. Higher trims like the Citadel offered luxurious features such as Nappa leather and heated seats. The SRT Hellcat model stood out with bold red leather upholstery, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD, with optional AWD. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only rivals. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The ride was soft yet confident, with minimal wind and road noise, making it a quiet midsize SUV.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD or optional AWD. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower, while the SRT 392's 6.4-liter V8 produced 475 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 boasted 710 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, with minimal wind and tire noise, and features like adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays and bins for personal items. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Durango came in seven- or six-seat configurations, with spacious headroom and legroom comparable to rivals. Cargo space was 17.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Small-item storage was generous, with a wireless charging pad and USB ports. Towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with physical buttons for ease of use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with navigation and premium audio on higher trims.

The 2023 Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen with Uconnect 5 on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with unique SRT animations and Performance Pages for performance data. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, though some systems needed fine-tuning.

The 2023 Durango received mixed IIHS results and a four-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features were limited, with advanced systems only available on higher trims.