2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 over a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, 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 amenities in the SXT to luxury touches in the Citadel and performance enhancements in the SRT.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, meanwhile, had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. It offered eight color options, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant colors limited to higher trims. The interior was available in black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with upscale touches like wood panels in higher trims. The CR-V's design was more modern compared to some competitors, but vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling. The CR-V was not a vehicle purchased for its looks but rather for its functionality and reliability.

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 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 SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, with Dodge SRT performance pages for detailed engine status and drive mode customization.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, excluding the hybrid versions. It achieved 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, providing decent handling and ride quality. While not designed for performance, the CR-V delivered smooth acceleration and predictable cornering.

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. It offered ample cabin space, with 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. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2021 Honda CR-V focused on fitting five people comfortably and carrying their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed for practicality, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with navigation and premium audio systems available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with wireless charging available on the Touring trim.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and optional driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. It earned a four-star NHTSA rating and a Moderate score in IIHS small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, with standard safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.