2020 Dodge Durango vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed to offer a driving experience closer to a sedan, despite its 5,000-pound weight and tall stature. BMW focused on providing a smooth ride on pavement rather than off-road capabilities, which was a forward-thinking move. The X5 could seat five passengers, with an optional third row that expanded capacity to seven, though the third row was quite cramped. The vehicle came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

The base xDrive40i started at $60,700 and included features like AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster. Safety features were comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The xDrive50i, priced at $75,750, added the V8 engine and upgraded interior features. Various packages allowed for further customization, such as the Premium Package with a head-up display and the Executive Package with soft-close doors and adaptive LED headlights. My test vehicle, an xDrive40i, came with several optional upgrades, bringing the total price to $73,980.

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to 2011. The Durango shared a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but had a longer wheelbase and overall length. The cabin design felt somewhat dated compared to its competitors, but a refresh was expected for the 2021 model year. The Durango was available in several trims: SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each offering different features and levels of luxury.

The SXT trim included 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The GT trim added 20-inch wheels, a sport-inspired grille, and remote start. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, leather-and-suede upholstery, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Citadel trim focused on luxury with chrome exterior touches and premium leather upholstery. The SRT trim, with its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, offered a more aggressive look and performance features like ventilated front seats and Brembo brakes.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, particularly with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i, which produced 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its smooth operation and efficiency, contributing to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The xDrive50i's 4.4-liter V8 engine delivered 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform, which combined steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for strength and performance. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride height and impressive bump absorption, making for a smooth yet sporty ride.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, while the SRT trim came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or AWD available depending on the trim. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering car-like handling and impressive acceleration. The Dodge SRT performance pages provided detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a redesigned interior with aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment interface. While the design was modern, some materials felt cheap compared to competitors unless upgraded with expensive options. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, with limited thigh support and no ventilation, making the $1,600 Luxury Seating package a worthwhile addition. However, the X5 offered ample space, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the seats down. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to other three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin offered plenty of space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and easy-fold seats. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The gesture control and voice commands were often unresponsive, and the iDrive interface, while well-designed, was not as intuitive as some competitors. The Driving Assistance Plus package, which offered limited hands-off driving, was unreliable at high speeds, making it a package to avoid. However, the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well in stop-and-go traffic. The Parking Assistant Plus package, with its 3D camera, was a worthwhile addition, and the Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound quality. Other optional features included a night-vision system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's Uconnect infotainment system was a standout feature, with a straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to switch between Uconnect and smartphone interfaces. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate using the steering wheel controls. Higher trims came with navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with some unfamiliar feedback during the final moments of braking. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 4-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover tests and 5-star ratings in side crash tests. The IIHS named the X5 a Top Safety Pick+ with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in side crash testing and 4 stars in other phases. The IIHS rated the Durango as Moderate in driver’s side small-front overlap testing and Good in all other crash tests.