Beloved for their strong engine options and rich interior comfort, 2023 Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee can’t help but attract your notice. But which should you choose? We’re here to check out each of these midsize SUVs.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Durango (starting at $39,445) gives you a better deal than the 2023 Grand Cherokee (starting at $41,530).
- For stunning speed, choose the Durango, which can generate up to 710 horses!
- The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is the best choice for rugged off-roading.
- Although both SUVs offer the latest comfort upgrades, we favor the Durango’s sporty interior style over the Grand Cherokee’s plain-Jane cabin.
Lowest MSRP: 2023 Dodge Durango
Looking for the best deal? That just might be the Durango! Jeep’s three-row midsize SUV starts at $39,445. (The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a little more expensive, with an MSRP of $41,530.) Not only is the Durango potentially the less expensive SUV, but it also comes standard with an extra row of seating and a lot more style.
Maximum Speed: 2023 Dodge Durango
If you’re after a thrilling ride, the Durango is more your speed. Depending on which trim model you drive home, you can enjoy one of four powerful engine options:
- SXT, GT, Citadel: 3.6L V6 (295 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque)
- R/T, optional for Citadel: 5.7L V8 (360 hp, 390 lb-ft)
- SRT 392: 6.4L V8 (475 hp, 470 lb-ft)
- SRT Hellcat: Supercharged 6.2L V8 (710 hp, 645 lb-ft)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also known for its strong performance. However, it doesn’t deliver the kind of speed and agility you get from Durango’s SRT V8s and performance upgrades. Depending on which trim model you like, the Grand Cherokee is available with three engine options:
- Standard 3.6L V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft)
- Optional for Trailhawk, Overland, Summit: 2.0L four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)
- Optional for Overland, Summit: 5.7L V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft)
Off-Road Capabilities: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you want a trail-friendly beast, you need the Grand Cherokee. Specifically, you need the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Not only does this SUV come standard with rugged four-wheel drive, but it also helps you maintain traction on complicated trails with features like all-terrain tires, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, and an electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar, among other upgrades.
The Dodge Durango is available with all-wheel drive, which gives you a stickier ride on the pavement and a little extra traction on light trails. However, this system isn’t quite as rugged as the Grand Cherokee’s available four-wheel-drive system. And while the Durango offers high-performance trim models, like the SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat, they’re meant more for drivers who want to speed around the racetrack.
Interior Comfort & Style: 2023 Dodge Durango
The Durango is a three-row midsize SUV, perfect for families who take up space. Second-row captain’s chairs reduce overall seating to six, but offer road-trip-friendly seating contours. Every Durango comes with coveted comforts like three-zone automatic climate control. The standard infotainment system includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And moving up the Durango’s six main trim levels means even more luxury, with available features that include leather front sport seats and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with seating for five passengers. If you need an extra row of space, however, you can check out the Grand Cherokee L. Compared to the Durango, this Jeep isn’t quite as stylish, with standard dual-zone automatic climate control. However, its infotainment system will look very familiar, with the same size touchscreen and smartphone integration features. Although the Grand Cherokee doesn’t have the Durango’s same sporty design, it does offer some coveted upgrades, like leather upholstery and heated seats.
Your New SUV
If you’re after style and speed, the 2023 Dodge Durango should absolutely be your first choice! This midsize SUV not only delivers space for your whole family, but it's also much more fun to drive. Inside, you’ll find more standard seating and a healthy dose of modern comfort.