2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Genesis GV80

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, though the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The 2020 model 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 aggressive styling and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design without the burden of legacy design language. It successfully integrated design elements from the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior was complemented by big wheel arches and elegant rear design elements. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch high-definition display, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a bridge-like center console. The interior was a testament to luxury, with features like power second-row seats and a third-row option on select trims.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came 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, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim was equipped with 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 SRT trim 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 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 featured independent multi-link suspension, with the 3.5T models offering electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 3.5T also included active noise cancellation for a quieter ride. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

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, depending on the configuration. The cabin offered comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children due to limited space. The Durango featured multiple storage options, including cargo bins and cupholders.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on select trims, offering power-fold functionality. The GV80's interior was designed for luxury and convenience, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and tablet-inspired design. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link available on higher trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims offered an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing keyless entry and vehicle configuration. Genesis Connected Services provided features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination search. The GV80's audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

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

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 featured 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.