Dodge Durango vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's design had evolved significantly since its 2019 redesign. It cast aside its softer crossover styling for a more robust and blocky appearance, featuring a trapezoidal grille adapted from Toyota's truck line. This new front design added a sense of heft, framed by beveled and angled bodywork that enhanced the aggressive styling. Initially, this reimagining distinguished the RAV4, but over time, other manufacturers, like Honda and Mazda with their CR-V and CX-50 models, adopted similar aesthetic principles.

Inside, the angular theme continued with a multi-tiered dashboard adorned with beveled cutouts, bringing more visual intrigue to otherwise plain surfaces. The layout was standard for the time, with an infotainment touchscreen mounted on the dash complemented by ample physical buttons and knobs for easy control of primary features.

Materials were reasonably typical for the class and price point. There were many hard plastics, but surfaces that came in frequent contact were lightly padded. The base model and the new Woodland trim notably lacked the leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting instead for an inexpensive feeling urethane wheel and center armrest. This downgraded the tactile experience for the driver, although higher trims did include the leather-covered steering wheel. Build quality was solid, free from any creaks or squeaks, even when navigating rough roads.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, despite entering its 12th model year without a redesign, still held an appealing charm. It boasted clean, almost car-like styling, steering clear of exaggerated ruggedness and oversized grilles. Its slim front styling, framed by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a strong presence without relying on monstrous grilles. The rear featured Dodge's signature “racetrack” taillights, giving it a distinctive look.

The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models presented unique yet subtle styling features. They had a Viper-like hood with a functional center air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a redesigned front fascia featuring a chin splitter, engine-oil cooler duct, and cold-air induction snorkel. Even with these changes, they maintained a similar shape to the standard front end, while all but the base SXT grade included dual exhaust outlets in the rear fascia.

Additionally, the SRT styling cues could be added to the Durango R/T and GT models through the Blacktop Package, allowing for a Hellcat appearance on a V6 Durango GT. Alternatively, the Hemi Orange appearance package for the R/T introduced signature orange touches on the exterior badges and seat contrast stitching. For 2023, Dodge expanded the color palette, adding hues such as Frostbite, Night Moves, Red Oxide, and Triple Nickel.

The interior of the Durango, while less distinctive than its exterior, remained pleasant. Lower trims had materials appropriate for their price. More luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats could be found in higher trims like the Durango Citadel. The SRT Hellcat ventured further into flamboyance with red leather upholstery.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. This setup, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered the front wheels, while a second electric motor provided all-wheel drive (AWD). Together, they produced 219 horsepower, propelling the RAV4 from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds. This configuration offered a slight speed advantage over the standard RAV4 by about half a second, while the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime could hit 60 mph in an impressive 5.5 seconds. Within the compact hybrid SUV category, the Kia Sportage hybrid was slightly quicker, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid was comparable at around 8 seconds for the same sprint.

Braking in the RAV4 Hybrid felt natural, with initial pedal engagement typically activating regenerative braking to recharge the hybrid battery. In aggressive stops or full stops, the physical brakes kicked in without a noticeable transition. The suspension managed to smooth out moderate road bumps and potholes effectively and confidently handled corners, though it wasn't inherently sporty. It prioritized basic driving dynamics over thrills, making it a calm and effortless vehicle to drive, comparable to its rivals in the class.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains. The base models (SXT, GT, Citadel) came with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

The next level featured the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, available on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, generating 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered the auditory pleasure of a classic V8 rumble.

For more power, the Durango SRT 392 presented a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, offering 475 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse could reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and complete a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds, certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

At the top, the Durango SRT Hellcat housed a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering an astonishing 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. This setup achieved a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and an 11.5-second quarter mile.

During testing, the Hellcat’s acceleration felt as quick as advertised, despite being a three-row SUV. Its size, however, was disadvantageous on winding roads, though it excelled on highways, where wind and tire noise were minimal. Excitingly, engineers allowed some supercharger whine and exhaust rumble into the cabin. With its adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes, managing the Hellcat's power was made easier.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample front seat space for larger passengers, while the rear seats comfortably fit average-sized adults. Although it offered slightly more rear headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, legroom was marginally less. In practice, these differences were negligible, although installing a rear-facing infant seat might require adjusting the front seat. The rear seat cushions, set a bit low, could leave taller passengers wanting more thigh support on long trips.

The RAV4 Hybrid boasted up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, only slightly less than the non-hybrid variant. Comparably, the Honda CR-V held 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage 39.3 cubic feet, making the RAV4 Hybrid competitively spacious. The rear seatbacks folded flat, aligning with the cargo floor; however, shorter users might struggle with the reach.

Where the RAV4 excelled was in interior storage. The front passenger enjoyed a wide shelf in the dashboard, and there was a handy phone tray in front of the center console. An optional wireless charging pad, though, wasn't consistently available, likely due to the chip shortage. Large cupholders and a spacious center armrest bin added to its practicality, while door pockets were average.

The 2023 Dodge Durango came in both seven-seat and six-seat configurations. Standard models (SXT, GT, R/T) included two front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench. Higher trims (Citadel, SRT 392, SRT Hellcat) swapped the second-row bench for captain's chairs, which was also an option on GT and R/T models.

The Durango offered comparable interior space to other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom within fractions of an inch compared to Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander. However, its cargo capacity lagged behind competitors, providing 17.2 cubic feet with all seats up, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row.

Small-item storage within the Durango was generous. It featured a large wireless charging pad, strategically placed USB ports, and, on models with second-row captain's chairs, a sizeable center console. Notably, though, the lack of a power-folding third row, especially in higher trims like the Citadel and the six-figure Hellcat, felt like a missed opportunity.

For towing, the Durango was impressive. V6 models could tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped, while 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi V8 models reached an 8,700-pound towing capacity. Off-road capability wasn’t emphasized, avoiding direct competition with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system that significantly improved the user experience. The touchscreen graphics were modern and sharp, and the menus were logically arranged. Positioned on top of the dash, the screen placement minimized driving distractions. Most trim levels came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.5-inch touchscreen. However, the smaller display required more precision due to its smaller on-screen buttons.

Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the wireless charging pad remained an option. The system supported over-the-air software updates and offered remote vehicle monitoring and control through a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trim added a fully digital instrument panel. The base audio system had six speakers delivering decent clarity and power, whereas the Limited trim upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL system.

The Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Higher trims like the Citadel and SRT models featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both screens used Stellantis' Uconnect, though the smaller screen ran the older 4C version, while the larger one used Uconnect 5.

Despite the Durango's age, the tech updates ensured its infotainment system was contemporary. The 10.1-inch screen and Uconnect 5 were responsive and user-friendly. The SRT models added unique touches, like burnout-themed animations on startup and a racing helmet graphic in the climate control menu. Additionally, the Performance Pages app, borrowed from the Challenger and Charger SRT models, provided performance metrics like timers, a g-force meter, and engine parameters. The Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high marks from safety organizations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it five stars for overall and side crash protection, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestowed its highest "Good" rating in most tests, except for a second-best "Acceptable" in the newer moderate overlap front and side-impact tests. It also earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick honor.

All RAV4 Hybrid models came standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, which included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE trim added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts, while the Limited trim featured front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking when backing up. Options included a surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror for enhanced rear visibility.

On the other hand, the 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS granted top "Good" scores in original-format moderate front overlap and side tests, alongside the roof strength test, but gave it a "Marginal" rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crash tests. RWD versions received four stars in rollover tests, but AWD models only received three stars.

Driver-assist features in the Durango were minimal. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims, while forward collision warning was only standard on the Citadel and optional on other models. Lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were also standard only on the Citadel and unavailable on the base SXT.