2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Dodge Durango

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 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 to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard Land Cruiser, however, was more subdued in its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design was basic, with large headlights and chrome accents, while the interior mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials. Despite its dated appearance, the Land Cruiser's interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding view. The SUV's design and features harkened back to an earlier era, offering a nostalgic yet luxurious experience.

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

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, and Crawl Control. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected handling. The SUV was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, showcasing its robust capabilities.

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. The Durango's cabin offered ample 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 the configuration.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench seat was roomy and heated, while the third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 82.8 cubic feet with the second row down. The Land Cruiser's split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen available 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, and higher trims offered navigation and premium audio systems. The semi-digital instrument panel was user-friendly, though smaller than some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was less advanced, lacking swipe and scroll functionality. It ran Toyota's Entune technology, which was simple but not particularly special for the price. The Land Cruiser did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it included Siri Eyes Free and a subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated, and the JBL Synthesis audio system, while good, was not exceptional.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with a full array of airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. 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 Good rating from the IIHS in most crash tests, though some safety features were optional.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, more advanced driving assistance systems were not available. The Land Cruiser's crash-test ratings were not available, but its substantial weight and safety features provided a sense of security.