2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

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 trend of oversized grilles. 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 SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with functional air inlets and heat extractors, but these were subtle. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options, while the interior, though less distinctive, provided a comfortable environment with available luxury features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse introduced a new Z71 trim, catering to those seeking moderate off-roading capabilities. While not designed for extreme off-road adventures, the Z71 variant was engineered to handle reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LS model starting at $38,995 and the top-of-the-line RS model reaching $55,595. Our test vehicle, a Z71 model, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior, with Jet Black upholstery and "Torch Red" accents, offered a comfortable and visually appealing space. The Traverse's synthetic leather seating was optional, but the standard cloth seats provided satisfactory comfort and breathability.

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 lb-ft of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. 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 boasted 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 Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, and the adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured manageable power.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. On highways and twisty roads, the Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's 204.5-inch length was noticeable. The ride quality was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes offered a progressive feel, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature operated seamlessly. EPA estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the Traverse Limited with FWD to 17/25/20 for the Limited with AWD.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a 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. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though the Traverse offered more cargo space. The Durango provided 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 USB ports. Towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model offered seating for eight, while the LT, Z71, and RS models featured second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to approximately 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Storage options included a hidden area under the center console and an underfloor bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row's view was limited. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger's seat was manually adjustable.

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. The Uconnect infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance information, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display was configurable and helpful for navigation. The Google-based system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad in the center console. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominent. The Traverse offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, with expanded functionality for pre-mapped single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS tests, with top "Good" marks in some areas 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. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard, but other features only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone NHTSA or IIHS crash tests, but it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids at no extra cost. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. While we didn't test these systems, their presence was reassuring.