2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its design roots tracing back to a 2011 redesign. Its connection to the Charger muscle sedan was evident, though the platform was 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 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 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000 with upgrades. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine. Despite its design nearing a decade old, the Range Rover maintained a timeless look with hallmark design cues. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, its InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was less intuitive than newer models, requiring users to adapt to its quirks.

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 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 or available all-wheel drive. The SRT stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive acceleration and handling for its size. The Dodge SRT performance pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered various powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case ensured off-road capability, supported by Terrain Response 2 traction control. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension filtering road harshness. However, its steering was slow in response, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, though the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 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 rows down. 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 configuration. The cabin provided ample space, with comfortable front seats and a choice of second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children. The SRT model featured a second-row center console with cup holders, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were comfortable, wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the rear offered quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Cargo space was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet available, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded. A suspension kneel function aided loading.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on 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 straightforward layout and ease of use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover utilized three digital displays for instrumentation and infotainment, with the InControl Touch Pro Duo system offering numerous features. However, it was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The system's dual 10-inch touchscreens posed a distraction while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

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 driver-assistance 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 from the IIHS for driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.