2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a vehicle that stood out on the road with its iconic design elements such as circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and a boxy silhouette. Its industrial look was further accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the option to fold down the windshield and remove the doors. The removable top added to its rugged persona, making it more of a "recreational utility vehicle" than a typical commuter car. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, offered a range of features, with the Rubicon boasting a lifted suspension and mud-terrain tires for serious off-road enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles like the Charger and Challenger. The Durango's design was refreshed for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colors, with six interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and touchscreen options, enhancing its modern appeal. The SUV's trim levels offered increasing levels of luxury, with options for leather upholstery and unique interior accents, making it a versatile choice for families seeking both style and functionality.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic was available, which was the only option for the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, producing 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, provided excellent low-speed performance and highway overtaking capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road experience was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs. The diesel engine offered a fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, though diesel fuel costs and availability were considerations for potential buyers.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine choices, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8, standard in the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 trim featured a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its chassis showed its age on rough roads. The SUV's towing capacity reached up to 8,700 pounds with the Tow N Go Package, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. The SRT models offered advanced performance features, including configurable drive modes and performance pages for track enthusiasts.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was available in a four-door configuration, which became the more popular choice among buyers. Its design allowed for the removal of doors and the folding down of the windshield, with a tool kit provided for these tasks. The Wrangler's most popular feature was its removable roof, available in both soft and hardtop versions. The soft top could be retracted partially or fully, while the hardtop required multiple people for removal. The Sky One-Touch roof offered a convenient retractable cloth option. With the rear bench folded flat, the Wrangler Unlimited provided 72 cubic feet of cargo space, less than many less-capable SUVs, but its off-road capabilities were unmatched.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller occupants, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango offered 21 seat options, allowing buyers to customize their interior. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, earning awards for initial vehicle quality. Its midsize packaging made it a versatile choice for families, balancing athletic design with practicality.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim. The Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, and real-time updates, along with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and premium audio system. The larger screen provided a more robust infotainment experience, enhancing the Wrangler's appeal for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard on the SXT and GT trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was significantly faster than its predecessor and offered extensive personalization options, including user profiles and connected services. The Durango's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa connectivity and over-the-air updates. A family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD player was available, adding to the Durango's appeal as a family-friendly vehicle. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clear graphics and responsiveness, though a head-up display would have enhanced usability.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came standard with airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera cleverly located on the hub of the external spare tire. Optional safety packages added features like rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection, which were helpful given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines. The Advanced Safety Group offered adaptive cruise control and full-speed forward-collision warning, enhancing the Wrangler's safety profile.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were less comprehensive compared to its rivals. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, 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.