2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the oversized grilles trend. The Durango's slim design, with forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have presence without massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional center air inlet and heat extractors, but these were subtle. The SRT models also had unique wheels and a different front fascia, maintaining a similar shape to the standard front end. Dodge offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to their price points. Higher trims added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, retained a well-aged styling, though the M Sport treatment was less favored, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its look. The X5 offered various powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The xDrive50e PHEV model, with its Brooklyn Grey paint and optional 21-inch wheels, showcased a modernized interior with BMW's Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen. The reduction in physical switchgear and new transmission controls added to the modern feel, while maintaining the quality of materials and construction. The X5's interior updates aligned it with BMW's other models, providing a blend of modernity and traditional BMW craftsmanship.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive and 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, providing a classic V8 rumble. The Durango SRT 392, with its 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, produced 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, generated 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, though its size made it somewhat awkward on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes ensured manageable power.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the xDrive50e PHEV offering a substantial upgrade in electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The xDrive50e provided 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, though a Level 2 home charging station was recommended for maximizing electric driving. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels didn't compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with quick steering and excellent visibility. In Sport mode, it delivered impressive acceleration, grip, and steering response, with brakes that withstood repeated hard use. The PHEV also gained battery charge during spirited drives, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench standard on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs, which were optional on GT and R/T models. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom comparable to rivals like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. However, the Durango's cargo space was less than the Chevy, offering 17.2 cubic feet with all rows 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 excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e functioned well as a midsize luxury SUV, accommodating five people in two rows. The cargo area offered 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split back seat folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather, which felt like genuine leather. Sport seats were standard, with the Climate Comfort Package adding 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SXT and GT models, while the Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both used Stellantis' Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen running the current Uconnect 5 system. The infotainment experience was comparable to newer rivals, with the larger touchscreen being responsive and easy to use. SRT models included the Performance Pages app, displaying performance information like timers and a g-force meter. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, while promising, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful. However, the reduction in physical controls made the reliance on voice recognition more critical.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it "Good" marks in moderate front overlap and side tests, but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. RWD versions received four stars in the rollover test, while AWD models got three stars. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard on all trims, but forward collision warning and other features were only standard on the Citadel.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but could be frustrating in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the system occasionally engaged brakes without cause. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash-test rating.