2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was a standout in terms of styling, with a design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand. Its bold appearance was marked by a massive grille and thin headlights, complemented by a unique LED character line. The use of chrome was distinctive, with a large strip running from the A-pillar over the side windows, adding a touch of elegance while breaking up the vehicle's length. Inside, the Palisade offered an upscale cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, creating a luxurious feel. The Limited trim impressed with leather upholstery and ambient lighting, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, maintaining a connection to the Charger muscle sedan. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its competitors. The Durango was based on a decade-old platform, and while it shared some features with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it lacked the significant updates seen in the Jeep's cabin. However, a refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive styling and a reworked interior. The Durango offered a range of trims, from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each with varying levels of features and luxury.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Palisade's drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The Smart mode was particularly innovative, adjusting to driving habits in real-time. The Limited trim featured a self-leveling rear suspension, enhancing driving dynamics and comfort. Fuel economy for the Palisade was competitive, with the FWD model achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 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, while the SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available. The SRT trim stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive handling for a vehicle of its size. The Durango's performance pages provided detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, offering 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This was more than competitors like the Highlander and Pilot. The third row was spacious enough for adults on longer trips, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. The Palisade's interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering multiple cup holders and storage options.

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 as spacious as the VW Atlas, the Durango offered ample usable space. The towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The cabin was comfortable, with options for second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. The third row was best suited for children, but access was easy thanks to large doors and foldable second-row seats.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with tactile buttons and a home button for easy navigation. The SEL trim offered an optional Driver Guidance package, which included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and satellite radio. The Limited trim featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers, a surround-view monitor, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims came with an 8.4-inch screen. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its intuitive layout and ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and higher trims offered navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims could be equipped with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing an immersive listening experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Standard equipment included forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The Palisade's digital instrument panel displayed parking sensor warnings and featured a unique blind-spot camera system, enhancing safety and visibility.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing. While its crash-prevention technology was rated Superior, it was only available as an option.