2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its design elements, such as the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, paid homage to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic, featuring natural wood and metal trims, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding oversized grilles and instead featuring slim styling with forward-leaning headlights. The Durango's rear showcased Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had subtle unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, such as the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, and expanded its colour palette for 2023. Inside, the Durango provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to its price points, and higher trims like the Citadel offered luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, starting with the T5 model's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The XC90 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid, combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model offering an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2023 Dodge Durango provided a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, producing 475 hp and 475 lb-ft, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango's performance was impressive, with the Hellcat achieving a zero to 100 km/h time of roughly 3.5 seconds. The Durango's size did not hinder its acceleration, making it a thrilling drive, especially on highways.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof, making it a pleasant environment for family tours.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs optional on certain models. The Durango offered competitive interior space compared to other midsize SUVs, with 487 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel providing easy customization. The Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Uconnect 5 system on higher trims. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with unique features for SRT models, such as burnout-themed animations and the Performance Pages app. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving capabilities. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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 awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional driver-assist technologies available on higher trims.