2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured four-wheel drive, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems and shiny 20-inch wheels, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while the interior boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding. However, the cabin's mix of quality materials sometimes revealed its base trim origins.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained an attractive, clean, car-like styling. It avoided oversized grilles, opting for slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and distinctive "racetrack" taillights. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle unique styling elements, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, such as the Blacktop and Hemi Orange, and doubled its color options for 2023. Inside, the Durango's materials matched its price points, with the Citadel and SRT models offering more luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. Our SRT Hellcat test car showcased bold red leather upholstery.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD optional. It offered a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and achieving 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg, offering robust off-road capabilities and a sporty driving experience.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, standard on SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, producing 293 hp (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on R/T and optional on Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 featured 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, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Our Hellcat test car felt quick, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, and featured adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes for easy power management.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat accommodating five people occasionally. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. The King Ranch model included features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, and storage space within the cabin was limited. The Explorer offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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 on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango's interior space was comparable to other midsize SUVs, with 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango excelled in towing, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was outdated, struggling with navigation and music requests. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SXT and GT models, while Citadel and SRT models received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect 5 system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models. The SRT 392 and Hellcat featured the Performance Pages app, providing performance information. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and had five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The system operated smoothly, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed IIHS results, with "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but other driver-assist tech was limited to higher trims.