2021 Toyota Sequoia 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 over a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. 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 aggressive styling and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was part of a second generation that began in 2007. It received a facelift in 2018, updating the headlights and grille, but the 2021 model year only added a Nightshade Special Edition. The Sequoia's massive, multi-tiered center dash design felt dated, and its standard 7-inch touchscreen seemed small against the large dash. Despite its size, the Sequoia offered comfortable and supportive seats, with ample headroom and legroom in the second row. Trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each offering a variety of features like leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and off-road enhancements.

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 standard and all-wheel drive available. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, providing impressive handling for its size.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine across all trims, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission routed power through standard rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive with low range. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered stout acceleration, though its six-speed transmission was less efficient compared to modern multi-speed options. The Sequoia's driving dynamics resembled a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe in towing capacity.

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 rear rows down. While not class-leading, it offered ample space for most needs. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was best suited for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia excelled in cargo space, offering nearly 19 cubic feet behind the third row, over 66 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It featured a power-retractable rear window for easy access to the cargo area. The Sequoia's cabin had deep in-door pockets and a massive center console, though newer SUVs offered better space utilization. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided plenty of storage options for passengers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch screen available on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and ease of use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system was easy to use, with simple menu navigation and hard buttons for convenience. While dated, the system provided modern smartphone connectivity.

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 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA rollover test but lacked further crash test ratings.