2024 Toyota 4Runner 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, almost car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its 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, 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 like the Citadel added luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback, with its last redesign dating back to the 2010 model year. Despite a few refreshes, it was in need of a serious makeover. Its boxy shape, however, remained appropriate for an all-terrain vehicle. The flared fenders gave it a brawny and wide stance, enhancing its rugged personality. The TRD Pro model, with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, exuded a serious attitude. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and last-generation technology features. The analog instrument panel and small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen appeared outdated. The interior had a fair amount of hard plastic, but commonly touched surfaces were cushioned. The seat upholstery, grained to approximate leather, looked more like vinyl. Despite its age, the 4Runner's interior layout was easy to decipher, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road adventures.

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 standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive 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 0-60 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 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat felt quick, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes made managing the power easy.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission was less responsive compared to the Bronco's ten-speed and the Wrangler's eight-speed. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The engine sounded taxed, and the sportier exhaust was loud. The soft suspension resulted in nosedive under hard braking and body roll when cornering. However, the 4Runner remained composed and controllable. Off-road, the lack of perceived power was less of an issue, and the soft suspension was beneficial for wheel articulation. The 4Runner's tall tire sidewalls and soft suspension absorbed larger road imperfections, but passengers prone to motion sickness might need precautions on winding or bumpy roads.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations. The SXT, GT, and R/T models featured two front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models swapped the second-row bench for captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with 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 offered less cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet with all three rows in place, 43.3 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and Hemi V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design appeared outdated, but its layout was user-friendly. The large climate-control dials and protruding driveline levers were easy to use, even with gloves. The 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, with front roof pillars pushed forward for an expansive view. The front seats provided ample space for larger passengers, though the steering wheel didn't telescope far enough for taller drivers. The second row offered abundant legroom, but headroom was limited for taller passengers due to the elevated rear bench height. The 4Runner could hold 47.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. The optional sliding deck reduced capacity but added convenience. The 4Runner featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

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 Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Both used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen getting the current Uconnect 5 system. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, displaying performance information like timers and a g-force meter. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, but road noise often obscured the music. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with pictograms instead of descriptions. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities, while the braking differential and locking rear differential maximized traction.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded "Good" marks in the original-format moderate front overlap and side 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 versions 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 features available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner also received mixed safety ratings. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave "Good" scores for the original moderate frontal overlap crash test and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included a full complement of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, with front and rear parking sensors on the Limited.