2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Dodge Durango entered its 12th model year with a familiar yet attractive design. It maintained a clean, almost car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. The Durango's slim styling was complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, giving it a strong presence without the need for a massive grille. 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, 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 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering different levels of performance and efficiency. The XC90 Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, provided the most performance with 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It featured a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, aligning with its luxury SUV status. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. The XC90 offered a range of customization options, allowing buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery. Despite its age, the XC90's design and materials remained appealing, especially in the Ultimate trim.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft 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 Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model boasted a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially for a three-row SUV, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes enhancing its handling.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with a 0-60 mph time of five seconds in Power mode. The SUV's handling was more focused on luxury than performance, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and less thrilling handling compared to performance-oriented SUVs. The XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, but it provided a lively driving experience once the gas engine engaged.

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. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with cargo space measuring 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. Small-item storage was generous, and the Durango had a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds with the V8 engines.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than expected. Cargo space measured up to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

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. 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 touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system available. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a head-up display. The surround-view camera supported the standard front and rear parking sensors.

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

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled in certain driving conditions.