2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

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 Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options, while the interior, though less distinctive, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to various price points.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in multiple trim levels, presented a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and a range of cool colors. LED lighting was standard, with upper trims featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, considered the "sporty" option, included a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition, available in exclusive colors, was designed for a bit more off-road readiness with features like roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance. The Sienna's interior offered standard cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight, with options for more luxurious features in higher trims. The horizontal design lines added a sense of spaciousness, and upper trims included a built-in vacuum cleaner for convenience.

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. 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, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes enhancing handling.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. AWD models included an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna offered a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode, its performance was not particularly thrilling, with a sluggish feel off the line and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that contributed to a less engaging driving experience. However, the Sienna provided a smooth ride around town, with modes like Normal, Eco, and EV for different driving conditions. The brakes were somewhat grabby, but the steering was light and accurate, and visibility was excellent. For those seeking more driving pleasure, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica offered stronger V6 powerplants.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or 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 optional on GT and R/T models. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom similar to rivals. However, the Durango's cargo space was less than some competitors, with 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 towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior functionality, with a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs could slide fore and aft 25 inches, offering up to 40 inches of legroom. However, the slide function was complex, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space. The third row was accessible for adults and offered ample legroom when the second row was adjusted. The Sienna provided tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate, activated with a kick motion, revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 101 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 received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The larger screen used the Uconnect 5 system, offering a responsive and user-friendly experience. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the main touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained Toyota's older infotainment technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system included physical buttons for common menus, the backup camera's grainy view was a drawback. The Sienna offered a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available. Optional features included an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it "Good" marks in some tests but "Marginal" 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 ratings in other areas. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Sienna received a four-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.