Tested: 2022 Acura MDX Type S vs. 2022 Dodge Durango SRT 392

From the September 2022 issue of Car and Driver.

The Acura MDX Type S and the Dodge Durango SRT 392 are proof that there's more than one way to skin a three-row performance SUV. That's clear the moment you hit their respective start buttons. The Durango's 475-hp 6.4-liter V-8 snarls to life like a lion, whereas the MDX's 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 awakens with a demure purr.

What they do have in common is that they start around $70,000, and their standard three-row seating is a prerequisite for larger families. The Durango SRT 392 and MDX Type S are unusual in this space in that each is a dedicated performance model, which set up our head-to-head battle. It's a specific niche, but we wanted to see which better fulfills the promise of its performance badge.

Since the early 2000s, Dodge's SRT division has created numerous high-performance machines. The Durango SRT 392 debuted in 2018 with the pushrod Hemi V-8 and a specially tuned chassis. Despite old bones, its Mercedes DNA and independent rear suspension elevate its ride-and-handling traits over those of previous Durangos. Dodge also recently redesigned its interior, adding a user-friendly 10.1-inch touchscreen and richer materials. Still, various hard plastics and outdated bits remain. While the 2022 Durango SRT 392 starts at $70,555, options ballooned ours to $85,930. Only the $1295 Brembo brake upgrade and $595 Pirelli P Zero Run Flat summer tires improve performance, however.

2nd Place:
Acura MDX Type S

Highs: Feels light and athletic, ride is smooth and quiet, seats are adjustable and comfortable.
Lows: Incognito exhaust note, unreliable brake-pedal feel, odd performance compromises.

1st Place:
Dodge Durango SRT

Highs: Shockingly swift for its size, superb automatic transmission, visceral V-8 soundtrack.
Lows: Awful fuel economy, some unluxurious interior bits, poor second-row-seat flexibility.