2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot was fully redesigned with a more rugged and substantial appearance. It had an upright grille and boxier styling, making it look not just bigger but more utilitarian. The new Pilot was 3.4 inches longer from nose-to-tail, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes were particularly fitting for the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates capable of supporting the vehicle's entire weight.

Inside, the Pilot took a more conventional styling route. Its materials quality met class expectations, further elevated by increasingly accomplished rivals. The Pilot emphasized function over form but without compromising on aesthetics. Its interior was more functional and versatile, pleasing in appearance and practicality.

Conversely, the 2023 Dodge Durango entered its 12th model year without a redesign but remained attractive, favoring clean, almost car-like styling over faux ruggedness. Dodge skipped the trend of oversized grilles, opting instead for a more balanced look with slim styling, forward-leaning headlights, and a large lower air intake. Signature “racetrack” taillights at the rear added distinctiveness.

SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique yet subtle styling touches, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional center air inlet and heat extractors. Blackout trim and contrast stitching were available with certain packages, adding flexibility in personalization. The interior of the Durango offered a good match in materials quality to its exterior, especially in higher trims with features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, it came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) was available across all models and standard on the Elite and Trailsport trims. Acceleration response was quick, power was sufficient, and the engine produced a pleasant hum when pushed. The soft brake pedal was easy to modulate, favoring smooth stops.

The Pilot cornered well for a three-row SUV but did not encourage sporty driving. It had noticeable body roll when turning but avoided any alarming rebounds. It was tuned for comfort, appropriate for a family SUV. Steering was feather-light, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces, although it felt somewhat detached on highways. The off-road-capable TrailSport offered an additional inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, providing subtle vibrations but making the SUV capable of handling more rugged terrains without sacrificing on-road comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango offered multiple powertrains. The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, used across SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with RWD or optional AWD on most trims. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the R/T and optionally in the Citadel made 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, emitting a classic V8 rumble.

The performance-focused SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, clocking zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and an NHRA-certified quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. The SRT Hellcat topped the range with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, dropping the zero to 60 mph time to 3.5 seconds and the quarter-mile time to 11.5 seconds. Our Hellcat test car felt incredibly quick despite its size, though somewhat awkward on twisty roads. Highways were where it shined, offering a balanced ride with minimal wind and tire noise.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a more conventional interior layout compared to other new Honda models. The entry-level trims came with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims got a nine-inch display. The Pilot boasted primary, logically placed controls for climate and drive modes and ample storage solutions, such as a large rubberized shelf for two max-sized phones, cupholders, and a spacious center console bin.

The standout feature in the Pilot was the stowable second-row center seat, which could be removed to provide a useful center pass-through for third-row passengers. This setup was particularly handy for families, ensuring the middle seat was always available when needed. Second-row adult passengers enjoyed abundant space, though the third row was less inviting for extended trips. The Pilot offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet, providing roughly 30 percent more capacity than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations. Standard models featured a three-seat second-row bench, while higher trims included second-row captain's chairs. In terms of interior space, headroom and legroom across all three rows were comparable to other midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. The Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, increasing to 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row.

Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and strategically placed USB ports. Models with second-row captain's chairs had an additional center console for that row. However, the absence of a power-folding third-row was a downside, especially for more luxurious trims. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with the V6 models capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds and the Hemi V8 models up to 8,700 pounds, though it did not emphasize off-road capability.

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, technological features justified upgrading to at least the EX-L trim level. This brought a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The top Elite trim included a head-up display and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system impressed with quick responses, a logical layout, and large on-screen buttons. Though the graphics weren't cutting-edge, functionality was prioritized.

Unique features included Honda’s CabinTalk interior PA system and the TrailWatch camera system tailored for off-road awareness. The Touring and Elite trims boasted added luxuries like a navigation system, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless versions of these services. Both screens used the Uconnect infotainment system, though the larger screen had the latest Uconnect 5 system, which provided a responsive and user-friendly experience. SRT models added personalized elements like a burnout-themed startup animation and a figure sporting a racing helmet in the climate control menu.

Performance Pages in the SRT models allowed drivers to access timers, a g-force meter, and additional gauges. The SRT Hellcat included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the in-car experience further.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had yet to receive crash test results from the NHTSA, though Honda expected top scores. It did receive a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing features for all trims included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The EX-L and higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors, with the TrailSport and Elite trims offering surround-view and multi-view camera systems.

The 2023 Dodge Durango had mixed safety results from the IIHS, receiving top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. NHTSA ratings included a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars for the side crash test. RWD models got four stars in the rollover test, while AWD models received three stars.

Standard driver-assist tech was limited in the Durango. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were only standard on the Citadel and part of an optional package for other trims.