2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The Durango's design had connections to the Charger muscle sedan, but it was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each with varying features and levels of luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring a revised exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The Pacifica's design retained some sophistication while adopting a more muscular aesthetic. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the new Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The Pacifica's cabin was designed with family life in mind, offering practical storage solutions and a spacious cargo area.

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, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping 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 (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially in the SRT trim, which featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for the AWD version.

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 competitors 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. The Durango also had a towing capacity ranging from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats were comfortable, and the removal of armrests allowed for a feeling of togetherness. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats that tumbled into the floor for easy loading. The second- and third-row seats provided ample legroom, with taller adults being more comfortable in the middle row. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Both screens used Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to switch between Uconnect and CarPlay menus. Higher trims also offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, customizable, and graphically appealing. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Pacifica also offered an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system with new games and various ports for external devices. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with available upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with a full array of 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. Optional driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.