2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created an elegant atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles and opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango's slim profile, forward-leaning headlights, and distinctive "racetrack" taillights gave it a unique presence. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle styling enhancements, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels, while the Blacktop Package allowed for a Hellcat-inspired look on V6-powered models. The Durango offered a variety of appearance packages, including the Hemi Orange package, which added signature orange accents. The interior, though not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to different trim levels. The Durango Citadel and SRT models offered more luxurious features, such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats, while the SRT Hellcat test car boasted bold red leather upholstery.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. The SUV was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, available in two power outputs: 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360, and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 was available in early-build P530 models but was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with impressive ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles, and advanced off-road technology.

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 lb-ft of torque. 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 featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Hellcat test car felt as quick as its specs suggested, offering a thrilling experience despite its size. The Durango's adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes made its power manageable. While the Durango was somewhat awkward on twisty roads, it excelled on highways, with minimal wind and tire noise and a satisfying supercharger whine.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The back seat provided excellent support but had a reclined angle, and rear occupants had access to sunshades, air vents, and power ports. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's full-size spare limited underfloor storage, but Land Rover provided a contraption to secure smaller items.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a second-row bench or captain's chairs, and a third-row bench. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom similar to rivals. However, it had less cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 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 USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds. The Durango did not emphasize off-road capability, focusing instead on its towing prowess.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in finding and accessing features. The native digital assistant struggled with basic commands, such as finding a nearby Starbucks. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but was difficult to access.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while the Citadel and SRT models featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5. The larger screen was responsive and easy to use, with added personality for SRT models, including burnout-themed animations and a racing helmet figure in the climate control menu. The SRT models also 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 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond and not as smooth as expected, while the steering assist technology was unsatisfactory, especially on freeway curves.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in safety tests. The IIHS awarded it top "Good" marks in some 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 driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims, but forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were only standard on the Citadel.