2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated, especially compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shared its platform but had received more significant updates. The Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 BMW X5, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, was unmistakably a BMW with its kidney grille and body shape. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was not shoddy and included plenty of leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models had unique styling elements, making the X5 as sporty as it could get.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines. The SXT, GT, and Citadel trims came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim. The SRT stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, offering a surprisingly car-like handling experience.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with several powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine paired with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than other BMW SUVs, with steering issues at higher speeds and a Lincoln-like ride quality.

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. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds. The cabin offered plenty of space, with comfortable front seats and a second row that could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for kids. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with cupholders at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after a few hours. The rear seats were comfortable for kids and two adults, with an available third row. The X5's split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment button on the lower part of the liftgate was helpful for loading cargo. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was negligible for most buyers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on other trims. Both screen sizes used Dodge’s Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The BMW iDrive system required some getting used to but was easy to navigate once familiar.

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 other trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims included front- and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X5 included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera. The Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.