2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, making it appear more svelte than it really was. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, fitting in with the Dodge family. The new SRT Hellcat model featured a cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a different front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. The cabin featured a new-for-2021 instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Moving up the trim levels, the Durango became increasingly premium and sophisticated, with options for leather, suede, Nappa leather, and Laguna leather upholstery.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels or available all-wheel drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission on LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided stout acceleration, making it easy to move from a standstill or make passing moves on the highway. The Pilot's ride was refined and comfortable, designed for easy commutes and relaxing road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four different engines: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 made 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 delivered 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's steering was on-point, inspiring confidence, though the chassis showed its age, with the suspension allowing bumps to be passed on to the cabin. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package provided a stable towing experience, with a capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. The Pilot had plenty of spaces for family gear, and higher trims offered a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered seating for five in two rows, with the option to seat up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with enough room for taller passengers. The optional third row was more spacious than many rivals, with easy access. The Durango had a good amount of cargo space, about average for its class, and functioned as advertised. Dodge offered 21 seat options, providing plenty of choices for buyers. The Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, standing out compared to earlier models.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, operating a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port were also included. All other trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob, making interaction with the radio reliant on the touchscreen, which had a confusing layout. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wall-style power outlet were optional on the EX-L and standard on the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The higher trims also received an upgraded 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than the previous system and offered greater personalization, connected services, two Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. SRT models received unique appearance features, including a "smoke show" start-up animation and serpentine font. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response to changes.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control were standard. Optional safety equipment included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS. It also earned a Superior rating in IIHS crash prevention technology evaluation.

The 2021 Dodge Durango fell short in safety compared to its rivals. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Depending on the trim level or package, buyers could add adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, but its front crash testing ratings were not yet available.