2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango entered its 12th model year without a redesign, maintaining a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for a clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. The Durango's slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without resorting to massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional center air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a different front fascia. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional styling options, while the interior, though less distinctive, provided a pleasant environment with materials suited to various price points.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, with larger tires on the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims. A redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon, was shorter and wider, allowing for better airflow. The antenna was integrated into the windshield to prevent snagging during off-roading. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including traditional soft-top, full hard top, retractable sunroof, and power-retractable sunroof. The windshield could fold down, and the doors could be removed, with options for full doors, half doors, or tube doors from Mopar. The Wrangler's rugged design was complemented by new wheel designs and a focus on off-road capability.

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. This engine was standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. 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, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 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 Durango's performance was complemented by an adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered various powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler featured different transfer cases for varying off-road capabilities, with the Rubicon trim offering the Rock-Trac transfer case. The 4xe PHEV Wrangler combined a 2.0-liter turbo engine with electric motors, providing 21 miles of all-electric range. The Wrangler's solid axles and locking differentials enhanced off-road performance, while the Willys trim offered a balance of capability and affordability. The Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was less refined, but sound deadening improvements made the cabin quieter.

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 standard on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, with cargo space of 17.2 cubic feet with all seats 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 ranged from 6,200 pounds for V6 models to 8,700 pounds for V8 models.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds for four-door Rubicon-trim models with specific configurations. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power adjustable front seats. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box for powering accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for rugged use, with features like waterproof seat adjustment mechanisms. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like locking differentials and BF Goodrich KO2 tires.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured 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 provided a responsive and user-friendly experience, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app offered performance information, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system was faster and more user-friendly, with features like Off-Road Pages and Trails Offroad. The Wrangler offered wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store user profiles. The Trails Offroad feature provided access to over 200 trails, with the option to subscribe for more.

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, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Forward collision warning was standard on most models, with optional advanced driver aids. The 2023 Wrangler received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it "Good" in roof strength and head restraints but "Moderate" in frontal and side crashes. Ratings were expected to improve with the addition of side curtain airbags.