2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Initially favored by affluent British landowners, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a combination that defined the brand. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had introduced various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The Durango's design was updated for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a choice of six 20-inch wheel varieties and 11 exterior colors, with a cabin that boasted a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior was versatile, with options for cloth, leather, and suede upholstery, and a third row that provided ample space for passengers. The Durango's appeal lay in its ability to cater to a wide range of buyers, offering both track-ready equipment and family-friendly features.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid option combined a 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 with 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension ensured a comfortable ride, while its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response System.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: 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, standard in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced 293-295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 delivered an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The SRT models offered SRT Performance Pages for track enthusiasts, while the R/T's Tow N Go Package provided a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a two-piece configuration, making it easier to load large items. The interior included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, while the optional third row provided ample space for passengers. 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, standing out from previous Dodge models. The SUV's midsize packaging made it a versatile choice for families, combining athletic design with practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle settings, including Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was five times faster than its predecessor and offered user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also featured a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. The TomTom navigation system provided clear graphics and quick responses, though a head-up display was not available.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera and federally mandated passive safety features. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 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.