2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal. It featured traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, making it versatile enough for both rugged trails and upscale settings. The Grand Cherokee's design was universally attractive, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. Prices ranged from $32,150 for the base Laredo to $87,400 for the high-performance Trackhawk. The Limited X model, tested at $53,275, showcased a Slate Blue Pearl paint, ventilated hood, sport-themed bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom look. However, the interior quality disappointed at higher price points, with hard plastics becoming more noticeable.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to 2011. It shared a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but had a longer wheelbase and overall length. The Durango's cabin felt dated compared to the Jeep, though a refresh was expected for the 2021 model year. Trims included SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each offering various features and upgrades. The SRT trim stood out with its aggressive styling, auto-leveling headlights, and unique leather-and-suede seats. The Durango's interior, while straightforward, needed a refresh to stay competitive.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined. Real-world testing yielded 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available: a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi, a 475-hp 6.4-liter Hemi in the SRT, and a 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk, which could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered various 4WD systems, with the Trailhawk model excelling in off-road conditions. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but noticeable suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. 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 SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or AWD options. The SRT trim offered impressive performance, with strong low-end power and car-like handling, thanks to a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The SRT's driving experience was further enhanced by Dodge's SRT performance pages, providing detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 36.3 cubic feet behind the backseat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded. The front seats were heated and 8-way power-adjustable, though the Limited X trim lacked ventilated seats. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and rear air conditioning vents. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins. However, the glovebox and center armrest bin were small.

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. The Durango's cargo space was competitive, though not as spacious as the VW Atlas. The power rear hatch button placement was less intuitive. The Durango offered comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children. The cabin featured multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays for gear.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its speed, graphics, and ease of use. The Limited X trim included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available. The test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, though a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system was available on higher trims. Unique to Jeep's Uconnect was the Off-Road Pages app, providing off-roading information, and Performance Pages on the SRT and Trackhawk models.

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. The Uconnect system stood out for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy transitions between menus. The semi-digital instrument panel was navigable via a directional pad on the steering wheel. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). ProTech I, standard on all trims, included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. The Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with poor ratings for driver and passenger protection in certain tests.

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. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were also available. The Durango earned a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and good ratings in most IIHS tests, though its crash-prevention technology was optional.