2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

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 counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was set to receive a refresh in 2021, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a heavily 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 three-zone climate control to more luxurious options like leather-and-suede upholstery and a power moonroof.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, and upgraded interior detailing. The Calligraphy trim looked fancier and drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Palisade Calligraphy featured a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with premium Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more expensive than it was. The cabin's quality and design put it ahead of most other midsize three-row SUVs, except for its platform-mate, the Kia Telluride SX Prestige.

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 top-tier SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, known as the "392," 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 all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The Durango's V6 provided decent power, while the 5.7-liter V8 offered confident acceleration. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and detailed drive mode customization through the Dodge SRT performance pages.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and test vehicles averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. It was predictable and confidence-inspiring, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability in urban and suburban environments. The Palisade also offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

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 the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot but fell short of the VW Atlas's 96.8 cubic feet. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The cabin offered plenty of space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped and best suited for children. The Durango also featured multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays for gear.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim featured eight-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger, with additional thigh support for the driver and a heated steering wheel. The front seats and second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, and third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of legroom and support, with easy access to the third row. The Palisade provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate automatically opened when it detected the key fob, though this feature could be turned off if desired.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with redundant hard controls for ease of use. Higher trims came with navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display (HUD). The Palisade also had a surround-view camera system for easier parking and maneuvering.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with 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, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems as standard. It also featured a rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and Safe Exit Assist. Higher trims included a Blind View Monitor and Blue Link services with automatic collision warning and emergency assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.