2023 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It avoided the trend of oversized grilles, opting for clean, car-like styling with slim lines and forward-leaning headlights. The rear featured Dodge’s signature “racetrack” taillights, giving it a distinctive look. The SRT models, including the SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat, had subtle unique styling features like a Viper-like hood and unique wheels, but retained a similar shape to the standard models. Various appearance packages allowed for customization, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, while new color options expanded the palette.

Inside, the Durango offered a pleasant environment, with materials matching the price points of lower trims. The R/T Plus Package added a wrapped instrument panel, while the Citadel trim offered luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The SRT Hellcat model stood out with bold red leather upholstery, emphasizing its sporty nature.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a luxury SUV with upscale looks. The Luxury trim featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX’s styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX offered a range of options, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available.

The TX 350, likely the volume seller, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and options for FWD or AWD. Our test model, equipped with Luxury trim, included features like a Convenience Package, Technology Package, and a 21-speaker audio system. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious with premium materials and a panoramic sunroof. Despite some shortcomings in second-row legroom, the TX provided a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a variety of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with RWD or optional AWD. 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 model boasted 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 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. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered thrilling acceleration and a dynamic driving experience, supported by adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, though testing showed an average of 20.4 mpg. AWD improved traction but slightly reduced fuel economy. The TX 350’s suspension provided a balanced ride, with accurate steering and a quiet interior. However, the brake pedal felt soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench. Higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less generous, offering 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. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus’s three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, unlike previous models. Cargo space was ample, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on SXT and GT models, while Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with unique features for SRT models like Performance Pages. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and a 14-inch touchscreen with Lexus Interface. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant. The TX provided free subscriptions to various services, enhancing connectivity and safety. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. It lacked standard driver-assist features, offering only blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Advanced features were limited to higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional systems like traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds, though high-speed assistance was unavailable.