2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented a sleek yet understated design, offering a blend of modern aesthetics that were not overly flamboyant but tastefully elegant. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights gave a distinctive touch to its front profile, harmonizing with the large Acura emblem and trapezoidal grille to create an expressive yet restrained face. The MDX's low-slung profile and chiseled details struck a balance between sporty and refined, with impeccable paint and chrome finishes adding to its overall polished look.

Inside, the MDX's cabin was modern and minimalist. The centerpiece was undoubtedly its twin-screen infotainment system, featuring an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen. High-quality materials and excellent fit-and-finish lent a solid, well-constructed feel to the SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango retained its muscular and athletic stance, true to its lineage with the Charger and Challenger. The Durango's exterior, albeit familiar, received updates like a new front end, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, especially in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model. It showcased a rugged appeal, bolstered by an array of 20-inch and 18-inch wheels and a choice of 11 exterior colors and six interior schemes. This gave buyers plenty of customization options.

The Durango's cabin was updated for 2021, featuring a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the latest Uconnect 5 system. As buyers moved up the trim levels, the interiors became more luxurious, with options including leather, suede, and various contrast stitching options. The dashboard design aimed to align with the sporty aesthetic of its muscle car stablemates.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. There was also the MDX Sport Hybrid, combining a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors to deliver a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In practice, the MDX with Acura’s SH-AWD system demonstrated impressive agility and smooth power distribution, particularly when cornering. The vehicle's torque-vectoring system enhanced its handling by directing power to the outside wheels during turns, making the driving experience more stable and controlled. The four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride over varied road surfaces.

The 2021 Dodge Durango, however, brought a versatile lineup of engines. Starting with the 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, then stepping up to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 at 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The real powerhouses were the 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, boasting a whopping 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.

Despite the Durango’s powerful engines, its chassis began to show its age, particularly on rough roads or the racetrack. The suspension’s reactionary tendencies conveyed bumps into the cabin, giving a less refined ride when compared to some rivals. However, the SRT models excelled in performance features, with strong Brembo brakes and configurable driving modes that offered track-ready capabilities.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a family-friendly interior with three rows of seats. The second row’s sliding and reclining feature facilitated easy access to the third row, while headroom was ample throughout. Cargo space was practical, offering 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX also included various storage solutions, like a flexible center console with USB ports and power jacks, enhancing its usability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango, with its midsize packaging, proved versatile as a family hauler. It featured standard seating for five with optional configurations to seat up to seven. The third row was notably spacious and accessible compared to many competitors. Cargo space was competitive, though average for its class. The Durango’s interior quality had seen significant improvements, winning awards for initial vehicle quality, which set it apart from earlier models and lesser siblings like the Dodge Journey.

The 2020 Acura MDX catered to tech-savvy drivers through simplified trim packages. The base model included essentials like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Technology Package added advanced features like navigation, remote engine start, and a high-end ELS Studio audio system. The Advance Package further enriched the tech suite with a surround-view camera, Head-Up Warning, and additional USB ports. An optional Entertainment Package provided a rear-seat entertainment system—a boon for families.

The 2021 Dodge Durango stepped up its game with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on the larger 10.1-inch touchscreen. This system boasted faster processing, user profiles, connected services, and OTA updates. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto highlighted its advanced tech capabilities. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with dual high-resolution screens and Blu-ray/DVD capability, ensuring backseat passengers remained entertained on long trips.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2020 Acura MDX, which came standard with AcuraWatch. This suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology and Advance Packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The MDX’s ACE Body Structure contributed to its high safety ratings, with top marks from both IIHS and NHTSA.

Conversely, the 2021 Dodge Durango lagged in standard safety features, offering just a mandated rearview camera as the sole active safety feature without optional packages. Buyers could add advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning, but these were not standard across the lineup. The Durango received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA, though front crash testing results were pending.