2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Kia Sorento

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 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 set to receive a refresh in 2021, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. 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 unique aggressive styling and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant design evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package featured roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its sporty look. The front showcased Kia's expanded tiger-nose grille, while the rear boasted stylish vertical taillights. Inside, the Sorento was equipped with high-value features like heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interior offered comfortable seating, though the third row was tight for adults. The Sorento's design was modern and well-suited for the American SUV market, with a focus on practicality and style.

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 lb-ft 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 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, providing impressive handling for its size. The Dodge SRT performance pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, including a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, the test car featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The Sorento also offered a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor. The AWD system included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for improved traction. The Sorento's suspension provided a smooth ride, and its various drive modes offered noticeable differences in performance. Despite its weight, the Sorento handled well, with minimal body lean in corners.

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 competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The cabin offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and foldable seats.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while a three-row SUV, was best considered a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front and rear seats offered ample legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats increased total cargo volume to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento featured convenient storage options, including a phone spot with an optional wireless charger, cupholders, and a center console bucket. The door pockets accommodated smaller water bottles, and the second-row seats had built-in cupholders.

The 2020 Dodge Durango 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 infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with a tablet-inspired layout and dock icons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and higher trims offered navigation and premium audio systems. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate, though smaller than some competitors.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen on the LX, S, and EX trims, with a larger 10.25-inch screen on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The larger screen required a physical connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the display was partially limited when using Android Auto. The Sorento included numerous USB ports but lacked USB-C options. The optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, but most drivers would likely rely on smartphone integration for navigation.

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 other 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 in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and auto high beams. The test car included a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the SX trims' LED headlights receiving top marks.