2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past to a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The XC90 showcased a sophisticated exterior with features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek arching shoulder crease that emphasized its width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and luxurious leather upholstery. The seats were designed for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail was evident in the craftsmanship, from the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat to the twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The Durango's design was updated for 2021, particularly with 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, allowing for personalization. Inside, the Durango's cabin was modernized with a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors adding a touch of flair. The Durango's design strategy catered to a wide range of buyers, offering models with track-ready equipment and fine appointments.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for a total of 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not a performance powerhouse, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant provided 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight of the hybrid system diminished its speed advantage. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The XC90 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a focus on a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 delivering 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. The pinnacle was the SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango's power was easily controlled, with smooth shifts and acceleration. Steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango excelled in towing, with the R/T model capable of handling up to 8,700 pounds. The SRT models offered performance features like SRT Performance Pages for track enthusiasts.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a well-organized cabin with the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

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, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The third row was more accessible and spacious than many competitors, making it suitable for family use. The Durango provided a good amount of cargo space, though unremarkable for its class. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, with the Durango standing out compared to earlier models like the Journey and Grand Caravan.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated navigation, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and allowed for greater personalization, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players, along with unique infotainment screen appearances for SRT models. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would enhance usability.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind rivals in safety, offering a rearview camera as its only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing results were pending.