2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its elegant design and upscale features. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the 2023 model remained largely unchanged from its previous iteration. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, showcased a sophisticated exterior with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, thanks to the Monochromatic Package. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior, real wood trim, and chrome accents. However, the chrome plastic on some switchgear slightly detracted from the overall premium feel. The Navigator Reserve's cabin was spacious and comfortable, though the rear-seat entertainment system went unused by tech-savvy teenagers.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its clean, car-like styling was complemented by Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights, giving it a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle yet unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles with options like the Blacktop Package or Hemi Orange appearance package. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable and functional space, with materials suited to different trim levels. The Durango Citadel added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats, while the SRT Hellcat test car boasted bold red leather upholstery.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. The Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency, with the SUV averaging 15.6 mpg on a Southern California testing loop. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, and its size proved cumbersome in tight spaces.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a variety of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet 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 model featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, though its size made it less agile on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes provided confidence-inspiring handling.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating in all three rows and a generous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

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. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs, enhancing comfort. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space than some rivals. 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 capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds and Hemi V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to commands. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, however, went unused by teenagers. The Navigator also offered Phone As A Key technology, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key.

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 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Uconnect 5 system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models, including a burnout-themed animation on startup. The Performance Pages app provided performance information, such as timers and a g-force meter. The SRT Hellcat model offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with the Premium Package.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but lacked a full crashworthiness assessment.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with "Good" marks in moderate front overlap and side tests, but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included on all trims, but other features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were only standard on the Citadel.