2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed the faux ruggedness of other brands, opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango avoided the trend of oversized grilles, instead featuring slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, proving 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 had unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood with a functional center air inlet and heat extractors, but these were subtle. The SRT models also sported unique wheels and a different front fascia, maintaining a similar shape to the standard front end. 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 Lexus GX 550 presented a stark contrast to its predecessor with a bold, geometric design. The redesigned midsize SUV featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the GX a more aggressive look. The flat hood rose on the sides, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The GX's profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The GX was available in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury models focused on opulence, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-roading capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX was less luxurious than some competitors but felt like a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

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 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, though its size made it somewhat awkward on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The torque was available low in the rev range, aiding off-road performance. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It employed a 10-speed automatic transmission, operating smoothly and confidently. Standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced off-road capability. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's off-road features promised capability.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench. Higher trims featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was ample, with a large 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 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. Rotary knobs for climate control and physical buttons for off-road features remained. The first and second rows offered ample space, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 76.9 cubic feet total. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet total.

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 data, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. The infotainment system was easy to use, though subscription costs could add up over time.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard safety features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard, but other features only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant safety improvements with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and more. While crash tests were pending, the new architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence in its safety offerings.