2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Kia Sorento

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, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding 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 boasted unique wheels and a different front fascia, while the rear fascia incorporated dual exhaust outlets on all but the base SXT grade.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with its siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's new front end, with a bluff grille flanked by vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, made it appear larger and more intimidating. The rear updates were more subtle, with higher trims featuring LED taillights and new bumpers across all versions. Inside, the Sorento boasted a contemporary and upscale cockpit, with a new dashboard and combined gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The interior materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, enhancing the Sorento's luxurious feel.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional on most trims. 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, with a 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, produced 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, generated 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring power was manageable.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The base-model LX, weighing 3,814 pounds, took nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharged Sorentos achieved zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided more aggressive styling and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capability. The Sorento's ride was smooth and quiet, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with two 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. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom comparable to the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride twins, and Toyota Highlander. However, the Durango's cargo space was less than the Chevy, with 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. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing 6,200 pounds and Hemi V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, offering comfort in the first two rows but limited space in the third. The Sorento provided advantages over smaller models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan, with 41.4 inches of legroom in the front seats and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row offered 29.6 inches of legroom, more than the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Sorento's third row was suitable for children, making it a practical choice for families. The Sorento's new dashboard featured ergonomic controls and ample small-item storage space. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats down. EX and higher models included a power liftgate.

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 received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both versions utilized Stellantis' Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen running the current Uconnect 5 system. The Durango's infotainment experience was comparable to newer rivals, with responsive and user-friendly features. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information such as timers, a g-force meter, and engine parameters. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard. The gauge cluster in lower trims consisted of two dials and a 4.3-inch TFT information display, while SX and SX-Prestige models received a second 12.3-inch digital display. The central infotainment touchscreen ran the new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC) software, prioritizing popular features on the home screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with over-the-air updates available. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack. Most trims featured a six-speaker audio system, while SX-Prestige models boasted a Bose 12-speaker surround sound setup. Digital Key 2.0 was available on SX and SX-Prestige models, allowing certain phones or NFC smart cards to lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with "Good" marks in the original-format moderate front overlap and side tests, and the roof strength test. However, it received a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded the Durango 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 received three stars. Standard driver-assist features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with forward collision warning standard on the Citadel and optional on other models. Lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were standard only on the Citadel.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite of active safety features included adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warnings. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning features and improved sensors. Available options included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror. The IIHS awarded the Sorento "Good" ratings in small overlap, original moderate overlap front, and original side tests, with an "Acceptable" rating for the LATCH system. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 Sorento.