2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its design roots tracing back to a 2011 redesign. Its connection to the Charger muscle sedan was evident, though the platform was over a decade old. The cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. 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 more luxurious offerings like leather upholstery and a power moonroof in the Citadel. The SRT trim stood out with its aggressive styling and performance-oriented features.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango received a refresh with more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The new SRT Hellcat model showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The 2021 model offered a choice of six 20-inch wheel varieties and 11 exterior colors, with a cabin featuring a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the updated Uconnect 5 system. The interior offered a range of upholstery options, including leather and suede, with contrast stitching and Demonic Red seat belts adding a unique touch. The updates brought the Durango's dashboard in line with the Charger and Challenger, offering a model for nearly every buyer with various grades and unique packaging.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft 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 optional. The SRT model offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, with the Dodge SRT performance pages providing detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2021 Dodge Durango expanded its engine lineup with the addition of a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The V6 remained standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel, with the R/T featuring the 5.7-liter V8. The SRT 392 continued with the 392 HEMI V8. The Hellcat's power was easily controlled, offering smooth acceleration and steering. The Durango's chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension on rural roads and technology fighting the vehicle's architecture on the track. The Hellcat's Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power, and the R/T's Tow N Go Package offered a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. SRT models featured Performance Pages for vehicle performance information and drive mode customization.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 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 down. This was comparable to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, though the VW Atlas offered more space. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds. The cabin provided ample space for front and second-row passengers, with the third row best suited for children. The SRT model featured a second-row center console with cup holders.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller passengers, with the third row more spacious than many competitors. The Durango offered 21 seat options, with cargo space about average for its class. The SUV's fit and finish had improved significantly, standing out compared to earlier models like the Dodge Journey and Grand Caravan.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen optional on the GT and 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 an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available.

The 2021 Dodge Durango introduced the Uconnect 5 system, five times faster than its predecessor, with greater personalization and connected services. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and over-the-air updates. A family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD player was available on select trims. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clear graphics and responsiveness.

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

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a rearview camera as its only standard active safety feature, with passive features like airbags and electronic stability control also standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, with front crash testing ratings pending.