2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, although the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each with varying features from basic 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen in the SXT to the luxury-minded Citadel with premium leather upholstery and a power moonroof. The SRT trim stood out with its unique aggressive look and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a throwback in styling, relying on details to differentiate trim levels. Its exterior was a generic SUV design, with a tall roof and chunky wheel arches, appealing to buyers seeking a clean, handsome look. While the Traverse shared a platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, it aimed for a more blue-collar feel. The interior mirrored the exterior's restrained styling, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. The Traverse offered various appearance packages and trim levels, with the RS model featuring blacked-out trim and the High Country model showcasing chrome accents. Despite its restrained styling, the Traverse provided a comfortable ride with good body control and precise steering, although it lacked the agility of some competitors.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel 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 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The V6 provided decent power for family hauling, while the V8 in the R/T offered confident acceleration. The SRT was a performance beast, with strong low-end power and car-like handling, enhanced by a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The Dodge SRT performance pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization, optimizing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. However, it lacked agility on twistier roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation and didn't fully utilize its torque vectoring capabilities. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, average for the segment.

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 rear rows down. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango offered ample cabin space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped, suitable for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It excelled in cargo space, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Traverse featured a power liftgate on higher trims and a power 60/40 split-folding third row on RS and above. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, typical of midsize crossovers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and ease of use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system were available on higher trims. The Traverse retained analog controls for audio and climate, and offered a rearview camera mirror and HD surround-view camera system. USB ports were standard for each row, with wireless phone charging on Premier and High Country trims.

The 2020 Dodge Durango included front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were standard on most trims, with front sensors on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango received a four-star NHTSA rating and a Moderate IIHS score for driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse earned top IIHS scores in crash tests and a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating. However, it received lower ratings for headlights and LATCH ease of use. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with many features optional, unlike competitors where they were standard.