2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 resorting to 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 center air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a modified front fascia. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options, while the interior, though less distinctive, provided a comfortable environment with available luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch to the exterior. The GLE coupe, available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered similar features with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin retained the classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the newer EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, but the combination with Bahia Brown seating surfaces created a dated look. Opting for lighter leather colors could remedy this design issue.

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 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, providing a classic V8 rumble. The SRT 392 model, 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. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, and a thrilling supercharger whine and exhaust rumble.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided various powertrain options, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, however, stood out with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite being slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450, the 450e offered impressive efficiency, with a 23.3-kWh battery providing up to 55 miles of all-electric range. The transition from electric to gas power was seamless, and the 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and 60-kW DC fast charging capability. While the Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, the GLE 450e excelled in comfort, making it ideal for a relaxed commute.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered both seven-seat and six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs, which were also 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 generous, offering 17.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. The Durango excelled in small-item storage, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. Towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing 6,200 pounds and Hemi V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE compensated for its lack of sporty driving dynamics with luxurious interior features. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded with ventilation and massage functions, while heated and cooled cup holders added convenience. The cabin boasted customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, and a quiet ride, enhanced by the Burmester stereo system. However, the non-extending sun visors were a minor inconvenience. The GLE offered a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, with the new Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology simplifying trailer handling. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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 boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both screens utilized the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen offering the current Uconnect 5 version. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality in the form of Easter Eggs 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE came standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models, it was functional and easy to navigate. The system included a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing helpful overlays on the screen. The MBUX system also included an off-road page with detailed information, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it "Good" marks in moderate front overlap, side, and roof strength 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 models received four stars in the rollover test, while AWD models got three stars. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with additional driver-assist tech available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard and the Driver Assistance Package Plus adding features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and four stars for rollover from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.