2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was known for pioneering the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, skillfully combining a compact exterior with a spacious interior. In contrast to its predecessors, this iteration was built on a dedicated platform designed specifically for the MDX, abandoning its shared platform with the Honda Pilot. Notably, the vehicle boasted a longer wheelbase and overall length, combined with a broader body and track which enhanced its presence on the road. The increase of over four inches in the critical dash-to-axle distance lent the MDX an air of elegance and sophistication. Acura’s distinctive Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights, coupled with larger 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, contributed to a sportier, aggressive exterior design that remained modern and stylish. Manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased an excellent level of craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX offered a beautifully modernized and sharpened cabin. The dashboard's layered approach created an illusion of greater width, while its lower placement and retreat from the front seats enhanced the sense of space. The use of authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather underscored the luxurious feel, although high-quality plastics were still in use. The center console featured unique controls, including a fighter jet-inspired gear selector, a touchpad for infotainment, and a rotary dial for drive modes. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed at the top of the center stack for better accessibility and safety.

On the other hand, the 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, still managed to captivate with its familiar but attractive façade. Dodging the trend of oversized grilles, the Durango’s design leaned towards car-like clean lines with slim styling flanked by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake. Dodge retained its signature “racetrack” taillights at the rear, maintaining the Durango’s distinctive flair.

The SRT 392 and Hellcat variants showcased unique but subtle styling cues such as a Viper-inspired hood, exclusive wheels, and distinctive front and rear fascias. These features could also be brought to V6-powered models through styling packages, resulting in a Durango that could mimic the mighty Hellcat in appearance if not in performance. The 2023 palette saw an increase in available colors, making the exterior more customizable.

The Durango's interior, though less distinctive than its exterior, offered comfort and luxury, especially in higher trims like the Citadel with Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. In the Hellcat model, bold red leather upholstery accentuated the performance-oriented vibe.

In terms of performance, the 2022 Acura MDX was launched with a single engine, a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, powered the front wheels or all four wheels through the available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system, known for its torque vectoring capabilities, significantly improved cornering and overall maneuverability, making the MDX feel more responsive and sporty.

Enhancements also included a revised suspension with a double-wishbone front setup and a multi-link rear suspension, resulting in improved handling and ride quality. Thanks to these upgrades, the MDX provided a stiffer and more rigid drive, free from body flex or squeaks, and conveyed a sense of confidence and competence. The new transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes that tailored the vehicle’s performance to different driving conditions.

Conversely, the 2023 Dodge Durango provided a wider range of powertrain options, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, churning out 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Durango featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive as an option.

Higher trims brought heavier artillery to the table. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the R/T and optional for the Citadel produced 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Then, there was the SRT 392 model with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, capable of achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Durango SRT Hellcat, producing an astonishing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds.

Despite its size, the Durango SRT Hellcat performed admirably, featuring adaptive damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes that ensured manageable control over its immense power. While its size could make it slightly cumbersome on twisty roads, on highways, it offered a thrilling experience with minimal wind and tire noise.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a multi-purpose SUV, balancing its roles as a family hauler, utility vehicle, and commuter. The first and second rows offered comfortable seating, with the second row featuring an innovative removable center section and fore/aft sliding capability to optimize legroom. The third row, while best suited for children, provided valuable extra seating when needed.

Cargo flexibility was a strong point for the MDX with 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second row down. The power tailgate added convenience with features like “Grab ‘N Go” and Hands-Free Access for easier operation and customizable opening height.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Dodge Durango offered both six and seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs available in higher trims for added passenger comfort. Interior space metrics for the Durango were competitive, offering headroom and legroom comparable to key rivals like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, and Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride.

The Durango’s cargo capacity included 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. While these figures were commendable, they fell short of the Chevy Traverse's more extensive cargo space. Small-item storage was abundant, and a power liftgate was available, although the lack of a power-folding option for the third row was a notable omission in higher trims.

Towing was another area where the Durango shone, with V6 models able to tow up to 6,200 pounds, and V8 models boasting a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, which was impressive for its class.

Technological offerings in the 2022 Acura MDX were robust, particularly with the premium ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System available in the higher trims. The system provided exceptional sound quality with 16 speakers, 710 watts of power, and Acoustic Motion Control. Lower trims, while featuring less powerful systems, still offered excellent audio experiences.

The MDX also excelled in infotainment with a standard 12.3-inch screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a range of connectivity features such as CabinTalk and a head-up display on higher trims ensured that the MDX was at the forefront of in-car technology. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates further added to its tech credentials.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims like the Citadel and SRT models benefited from a larger 10.1-inch display with the latest Uconnect 5 system. The system was responsive and user-friendly, comparable to those in newer rival models.

For the 2022 Acura MDX, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA had not been released, but its predecessor received excellent scores, and Acura aimed for even better ratings with this model. Key safety enhancements included a higher percentage of high-strength steel, advanced collision protection structures, and pedestrian safety features. The AcuraWatch suite, standard on all MDX models, included a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, however, had mixed safety ratings. The IIHS gave it mixed results, with top marks in moderate front overlap, side, and roof strength tests, but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, noting some variations in performance between RWD and AWD models.

In terms of standard driver-assist tech, the Durango fell short, offering blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as standard across all trims, but other features like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were standard only on the Citadel and part of optional packages for other trims.