2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the front end, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, which were now tucked underneath. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature, and the new styling was expected to be equally controversial. BMW aimed for a bolder design, but this came at the expense of grace and cohesiveness. While the front-end styling was divisive, the sides and rear of the X7 remained largely unchanged. The interior received a refresh, with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of high quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads, and the revisions gave it a more modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding oversized grilles. The Durango's slim styling, forward-leaning headlights, and large lower air intake gave it a distinctive presence. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, was comfortable and well-appointed. The Citadel model added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango SRT Hellcat test car featured bold red leather upholstery, adding a touch of flair to the interior.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This powertrain produced 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an increase over the previous year's engine. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8. The base six-cylinder engine was adequate for most drivers, though not as smooth. The X7's handling was limited by its weight and ride height but remained composed and confidence-inspiring. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement.

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 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 Durango SRT 392 featured a 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, producing 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The Durango SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, and its adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes made it manageable. The Durango's size made it less agile on twisty roads, but it excelled on highways, with minimal wind and tire noise.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time as the power-operated middle row moved, but it provided a large opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though the seat cushion was lower, reducing thigh support. Behind the third row, there was 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, with a large covered bin, cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom similar to rivals. Cargo space was 17.2 cubic feet with all rows in place, 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 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was a step backward in some ways. Basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls were easy to use, but many physical buttons were eliminated, requiring navigation through the infotainment screen for functions like seat heating and adaptive cruise control adjustments. Voice commands were available but took time to process and interrupted audio. While voice controls were useful for navigation and texting, more physical buttons and intuitive menus were desired.

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 larger screen featured the Uconnect 5 system, which was responsive and easy to use. The SRT models included Easter Eggs and the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2023 BMW X7 did not have crash test results from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. NHTSA gave the Durango 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.