2023 Dodge Durango vs Toyota Highlander

Two of the more popular SUVs on the market today are the 2023 Dodge Durango and the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Both of these SUVs have plenty of benefits, but one of them is likely better for you than the other depending on what you’re looking for in an SUV. Below, we’ll compare these two SUVs in some key areas to help you decide which one is best for you.

2023 Dodge Durango vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance Specs

We’ll start by looking at the performance specs for these two SUVs. Inside the 2023 Dodge Durango, there are several powertrain options available. The standard option is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Another option is a V-8 engine that produces 360 horsepower.

Then, there are the SRT variants of the Dodge Durango, which can come with either a 475 horsepower engine or an impressive 710 horsepower engine. You can also upgrade your Durango to include an all-wheel drive if you wish. All that’s to say, no matter how much power you’re looking for in your SUV, you can likely get it with your 2023 Dodge Durango.

As for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, the standard option is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 265 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Toyota Highlander also offers a hybrid version, which uses a 2.5-liter engine and two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. As with the Durango, you also have the option of either front- or all-wheel drive.

Which Gets Better Gas Mileage?

Another important factor to consider when exploring SUVs is fuel efficiency. Four-cylinder engines are typically more fuel efficient, but the V-6 engine inside the Durango does a good job of competing with them. The EPA estimates that the V-6 model Durango will deliver 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. If you opt for the V-8 engine, you can then expect around 14 mpg in the city and 22 for the highway. This is fairly good fuel efficiency for a vehicle of this size, which will allow you to save on gas costs.

With the 2023 Toyota Highlander, you can expect to get around 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway when you select the base engine and front-wheel drive. Choosing all-wheel drive instead drops these estimates to 21/28, respectively. As you’d expect, the hybrid version has much better fuel efficiency. The hybrid model of the 2023 Toyota Highlander delivers around 35 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

2023 Dodge Durango vs. Toyota Highlander: Interior Space

Moving inside, the 2023 Dodge Durango offers a spacious cabin with plenty of quality materials throughout. You’ll not only find comfortable seats in all three rows, but each of them also has plenty of space, even for taller passengers. In addition, the Durango is elegantly designed, giving the interior a more modern and upscale look, thanks to such added features as the red and white gauges and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Cargo space is also an important consideration. Inside the 2023 Dodge Durango, there’s 17 cubic feet of storage space in the rear, which is likely enough for the average driver. However, if you want more space, you can fold down the rear seats to expand the cargo area.

As for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, inside you have the option of either bench seating in the rear or captain’s chairs in the second row. Choosing this option drops the number of passenger seats from eight to seven. If you want the best interior experience from the 2023 Toyota Highlander, you’ll have to get one of the more premium trims, as this is where you’ll find more creature comforts. The cargo area is also a little smaller than the Durango, with only 16 cubic feet of space in the rear.

Entertainment

Both the 2023 Dodge Durango and the Toyota Highlander come with modern entertainment systems, designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable. On the base model of the 2023 Dodge Durango, you’ll find an 8.4-inch display that can integrate with your smartphone thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some optional features within the Durango include a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system or a rear-seat entertainment system that adds dual screens and HDMI ports for more connection options.

The infotainment system inside the 2023 Toyota Highlander is an 8-inch screen, but the more premium trims offer a 12.3-inch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also come standard with the 2023 Toyota Highlander, with optional features that include a wireless smartphone charging pad and a premium 11-speaker audio system.

Is the Highlander or Durango Safer?

Lastly, both the 2023 Dodge Durango and the Toyota Highlander come with many of the latest safety features. For the 2023 Dodge Durango, some standard features include blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic alert and a backup camera, with optional features including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. With the Toyota Highlander, automatic emergency braking comes standard, as does lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Both the 2023 Dodge Durango and the 2023 Toyota Highlander have a lot to offer. If you’re looking for an SUV with more power, more interior space, and more standard comfort/entertainment features, you’ll likely prefer the 2023 Dodge Durango. On the other hand, if you place more importance on fuel efficiency or standard safety features, you might want to explore the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Explore the 2023 Dodge Durango in Centerville

Does the 2023 Dodge Durango sound like it might be the SUV for you? If you’re in the Centerville, Ohio, area, and you’d like to learn more about the Dodge Durango, please visit Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. We have the latest models in stock and our sales staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Get started today by browsing our online inventory or using our online tools, such as our trade-in evaluator or finance application. Then, when you’re ready, contact us to schedule a visit to our dealership. We look forward to hearing from you.