2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presented a familiar yet refined appearance compared to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. While it retained the rounded wheel wells, black side skirts, and flat beltline, the EV version showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims, adding a youthful and exuberant touch. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional color choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

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 forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake. The signature "racetrack" taillights at the back gave it a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Blacktop Package allowed for a Hellcat-like appearance on V6-powered models, while the Hemi Orange package added a splash of signature orange to the exterior badges and seat stitching. The Durango's interior, though not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a comfortable space with materials suited to various price points. The Citadel trim added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats, while the SRT Hellcat test car featured bold red leather upholstery.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It provided a comfortable ride with its 19-inch wheels, and the single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version featured a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. It supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

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 of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's size didn't hinder its acceleration, providing a thrilling experience, though it felt somewhat awkward on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a range of features, with heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors standard from the 2LT trim. The 3LT trim added power-adjustable passenger seats, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. It offered 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

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. The Durango offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all rows in place, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. It had generous small-item storage, including a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for V6 models to 8,700 pounds for Hemi V8 models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered 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 Uconnect infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance information, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise was available from the 2LT trim, along with enhanced automatic parking assist.

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. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with additional features available on higher trims.