2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Although Mazda planned to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, the 2023 model still offered a refined and sophisticated driving experience across its lineup, from the base 2.5 S to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles and opting for a clean, car-like styling. The Durango's signature "racetrack" taillights and subtle SRT model features added to its distinctive look. Despite its age, the Durango's interior offered a pleasant experience, with materials appropriate for its price point and luxurious features in higher trims. The Durango's exterior and interior design updates, including new color options, kept it competitive in the three-row SUV segment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, especially on winding roads, though fuel economy could suffer under spirited driving conditions.

The 2023 Dodge Durango came with a variety of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T, offered 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, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially in the SRT models, though its size made it less agile on twisty roads.

The Mazda CX-5's interior updates improved seat comfort and support, with power adjustments and luxury features available in higher trims. However, the CX-5's rear-seat and cargo space were limited compared to competitors, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded.

The Dodge Durango offered flexible seating configurations, with standard seven-seat and optional six-seat layouts. Interior space was competitive with other three-row SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 85.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, despite its appealing 10.25-inch display, was criticized for its awkward controls and lack of a voice recognition system. The system required significant attention, which could be distracting while driving. However, it included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose audio system in higher trims.

The Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 on higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with unique features for SRT models, such as performance data displays. The Durango's infotainment system was considered up-to-date, despite the vehicle's age.

The Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance features and top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a potential safety concern.

The Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" score in the IIHS driver-side small overlap front test. Standard driver-assist features were limited, with more advanced systems only available on higher trims.