2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Dodge Durango

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 SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a modified front fascia. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials appropriate for the price point. Higher trims like the Citadel added luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 showcased a significant leap in design and material quality, positioning itself closer to luxury brands. The CX-90 adopted the elegant design language of smaller Mazda models and expanded it into a more imposing SUV. With a length exceeding 200 inches, the CX-90 featured a prominent grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, all contributing to its elegant yet commanding presence. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival luxury brands, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90 offered 11 different trim levels across three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a high-performance Turbo S model. The interior design and layout were stylish and comfortable, with a focus on quality materials and a luxurious feel.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel 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 featured a 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model 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 Durango's performance was impressive for a three-row SUV, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes enhancing its handling.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version produced 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Turbo S model offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in behavior between Normal and Sport modes. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout contributing to its agility in corners.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench as standard on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom similar to rivals. However, it had less cargo space, 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. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with lower-level trims accommodating eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs. The Turbo S model had a two-seat third row, with the base trim seating seven and higher trims seating six. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating configuration, with up to 75.2 cubic feet available in models with a two-seat third row. The CX-90 provided more cargo space than the CX-9 but fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, creating a comfortable and luxurious environment.

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/Android Auto. Both versions used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen utilizing the current Uconnect 5 system. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 employed the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen interface. While the intention was to reduce distractions, the system had quirks that could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition to adjust settings automatically. The CX-90 came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. These projection systems allowed for touchscreen controls, providing a more familiar and user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in safety tests. The IIHS awarded it "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 safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test but lower scores in other areas. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with the i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CX-90 also featured lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the safety record of the previous CX-9 model.