2020 Dodge Durango vs 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and various aluminum wheel designs. The Laredo trim started at $31,945, with an additional $1,495 destination charge, and 4WD added another $2,000. The Grand Cherokee offered 11 additional trims, each catering to different needs, from style to off-roading to luxury and performance. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured a performance vented hood, unique 20-inch wheels, and special leather seats, giving it an upscale appearance. However, the interior had some drawbacks, such as hard plastic panels and a few build quality issues.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with connections to the Charger muscle sedan. The Durango's cabin design felt straightforward but somewhat dated compared to the Grand Cherokee. A refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each with varying features. The SXT started with basic amenities, while the GT added sportier elements. The R/T and Citadel focused on additional comfort and luxury, and the SRT provided a unique, aggressive look with performance enhancements.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, with options for a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, a 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, and a 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk. An 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X test vehicle had the Quadra-Drive II system, offering excellent off-road capabilities. However, the 4WD system slightly reduced fuel economy, with a combined rating of 21 mpg, though real-world testing showed lower figures. The Grand Cherokee excelled on pavement, with robust acceleration and better-than-expected handling, though the brakes struggled during long descents.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque for the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or AWD options. The V6 provided decent power, while the 5.7-liter V8 offered confident acceleration. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, delivering impressive handling and acceleration. The SRT's performance pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization and performance tracking.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 5-passenger midsize SUV, offered a roomy interior for a family. The power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, but the hard plastic front-seatback panels were uncomfortable for rear passengers. Storage space was limited, with small bins and trays, though the cargo area provided 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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 rows folded. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and ample head- and legroom in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango also offered multiple storage bins, cupholders, and trays, with the second row featuring its own center console in the SRT model.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims featured a more advanced Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch display. The Uconnect system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, voice recognition, and navigation. The test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, with higher trims offering a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Uconnect system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and ease of use. The Durango also came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims featured a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available semi-autonomous parking assistance. The Advanced Active Safety Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the Grand Cherokee received poor safety ratings from the IIHS and a 3-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

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 earned a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate rating for driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the IIHS.