2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but with a longer wheelbase and overall length. While the Jeep received significant cabin updates, the Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year. The 2020 Durango came in trims SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each offering various features from 18-inch wheels and three-zone climate control in the SXT to a more aggressive look and performance features in the SRT.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, debuting as a 2016 model. It retained traditional Volvo styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end but added more character with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim was the flashiest, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models. The interior embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged, nice-looking materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard 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 range-topping SRT had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim. The SRT stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, offering a surprisingly car-like handling experience for its size.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also called Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. However, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines.

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 the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, though the VW Atlas offered more space. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds to 8,700 pounds. The cabin offered plenty of space, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for kids, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and easy-fold seats.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in both the third and second rows felt hard and lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control added to the interior's spacious feel. Up front, the Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, though a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, which was near the bottom of the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. Both screen sizes used Dodge’s Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

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 higher 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 in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing, with Good scores in other crash tests.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.