2025 Dodge Durango vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, each equipped with standard all-wheel drive. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. Trim levels included Core, Plus, and Ultimate, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding destination charges. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle boasted seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, priced at $89,145. The XC90's exterior featured a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs, while the interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob.

The 2025 Dodge Durango lineup ranged from a base GT with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, starting at about $43,000, to the SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive, nearing $100,000. The SRT Hellcat Premium test vehicle, equipped with the Silver Bullet special edition package, featured Triple Nickel paint, a satin black hood, unique wheels, dark badges, and black exhaust tips, bringing the MSRP to $115,315. Inside, the SRT Hellcat maintained a subdued look with dark red premium Nappa leather seats and a suede headliner. The cabin felt solidly constructed, though some plastic surfaces were less desirable at the Hellcat's price point. The Premium Package added a leather and suede steering wheel wrap and forged carbon fiber trim, enhancing the overall feel.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, reduced by more than half with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery depleted, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement. The handling was not particularly thrilling, with more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal, and the steering lacked sharpness.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat featured a 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 645 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It accelerated to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, reached a top speed of 180 mph, and towed up to 8,700 pounds. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, rated at 12/17/13 mpg city/highway/combined. The SRT Hellcat included a full-time AWD system, electronic limited-slip rear differential, and a high-performance exhaust system. It also had a competition-tuned adaptive damping suspension, performance steering, and Brembo brakes. The Durango handled like a taller Charger, with firm road feel, creamy steering response, and immediate braking capability. It excelled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering outstanding grip and body motion control.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain's chairs, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity reached 85.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat offered roomy and comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats in Nappa leather. The second-row captain's chairs provided good leg support, though they felt low. The third-row seat was accessible through a generous pass-through and offered enough room for adults. The Durango's cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The power liftgate and ample storage options added convenience.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It offered Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and premium sound systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The system was intuitive, though the digital instrumentation panel was less so. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available.

The 2025 Dodge Durango came with a Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. It included SiriusXM 360L, Dodge Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The SRT Hellcat had SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not particularly innovative, with Pilot Assist providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The system struggled with certain road conditions, leading to a loss of confidence.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were basic, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a concerning performance in IIHS tests. The adaptive cruise control was less effective in curves, and lane-departure warnings were subtle.