2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a range of models from the base GT with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, starting at around $43,000, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive, nearing $100,000. The SRT Hellcat Premium with the Silver Bullet special edition package, featuring Triple Nickel paint, had an MSRP of $115,315. This edition added a satin black hood, unique wheels, dark badges, and black exhaust tips, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the SRT Hellcat maintained a subdued look with dark red premium Nappa leather seats and a mix of suede and carbon fiber trim, though some plastic surfaces detracted from its luxury feel.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, priced at $75,000 for the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX maintained a somewhat unremarkable appearance, with its large grille and rear haunches being the most notable design elements. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though some controls were less intuitive. The RX provided a comfortable and spacious environment, with a focus on practicality and occupant comfort.

The 2025 Dodge Durango streamlined its powertrain offerings, with the GT featuring a 295-hp V6, the R/T a 360-hp V8, and the SRT Hellcat a 710-hp supercharged V8. The SRT Hellcat's engine delivered 645 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180 mph. It offered a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds and a maximum cargo volume of 85.1 cubic feet. However, its fuel economy was poor, rated at 12/17/13 mpg. The Durango SRT Hellcat featured a full-time AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and performance brakes, providing a thrilling driving experience with excellent grip and braking capability.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h had a 246-hp hybrid powertrain, while the RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time 1.5 seconds faster than the RX 350h. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic communication, making it less rewarding to drive enthusiastically.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The SRT Hellcat Premium featured heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa leather, though they lacked secure support during spirited driving. The second-row captain’s chairs provided good leg support, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The Durango offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Thoughtful features included rear climate controls, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were less comfortable over time. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining and ventilation. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet. Interior storage was practical, though some compartments lacked lining, causing potential noise issues. The hands-free power liftgate and folding rear seats added convenience.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. It included SiriusXM 360L, Dodge Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The SRT Hellcat came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition required specificity.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a high-tech experience with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. The RX 500h featured a Mark Levinson audio system, though steering wheel controls were distracting. The head-up display was helpful, and the system provided generous connected service subscriptions. However, occasional glitches affected the infotainment experience.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were basic, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Durango received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but performed poorly in IIHS tests.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The RX featured Predictive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. It earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but received a Poor rating from IIHS in frontal-impact tests.