2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its design roots tracing back to a 2011 overhaul. Its connection to the Charger muscle sedan was evident, though the platform was undeniably dated. The Durango's cabin was straightforward but felt outdated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant interior updates. The Durango's trims ranged from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each offering varying levels of features and luxury, such as the GT's sport-inspired grille and the Citadel's premium leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a timeless design that combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its fourth-generation styling remained appealing, contributing to its continued success. The Grand Cherokee lineup was diverse, offering everything from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and the performance-focused SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium materials like leather and wood, though its interior was beginning to show signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and component fits.

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 top-tier SRT trim came 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 or all-wheel drive options. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive handling for its size.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee also started with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, paired with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, offered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in various driving conditions.

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 down. 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, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and foldable seats. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated options, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with optional rear-seat entertainment adding to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the rear-seat entertainment system occupied much of the center console bin.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch screen, all utilizing the user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system. Standard features 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee's tech offerings were considered "tech lite," focusing on essentials rather than advanced features.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were standard on most trims, with optional driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance. 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its IIHS ratings were less favorable, with "Marginal" and "Poor" scores in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance and a backup camera with guidance lines.