2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's design was a topic of debate, with its front-end styling drawing mixed reactions. The vehicle's exterior borrowed elements from the Camaro, resulting in a combination of small headlights and large grilles that didn't appeal to everyone. Despite this, the interior maintained a familiar layout, with controls conveniently placed and a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip. The Suburban offered various trim levels, including the rugged Z71 and the upscale High Country, which featured a range of luxury options. However, the High Country's interior materials fell short of true luxury standards, with hard plastics and a less-than-soft headliner.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango retained its muscular and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The Durango SRT Hellcat model showcased a bold design with features like a cold-air scoop and twin-pipe exhaust. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colors, along with a modernized cabin featuring a new instrument panel and Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials improved with higher trim levels, offering options like leather and suede upholstery. The Durango's dashboard updates brought it in line with Dodge's muscle cars, and its diverse trim levels catered to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking track-ready performance to those desiring premium appointments.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engine options, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, while the newly available Duramax turbodiesel engine generated 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The diesel engine provided impressive torque and smooth acceleration, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though it still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine choices, including 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 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat model boasted an impressive 710 hp. 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, and its performance on the track was commendable, though the chassis showed its age. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package enhanced towing capabilities, providing stability and control when hauling heavy loads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering a massive 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for road trips. The Suburban's interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom for passengers. The control layout was user-friendly, though the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a unique feature, though its functionality was questionable compared to traditional designs.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The optional third row offered more space than many competitors, making it accessible and practical. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its fit and finish had improved significantly over previous models. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a practical choice for families, offering a balance between size and functionality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with GM's intuitive infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's layout was user-friendly, with a helpful home button for easy navigation. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and head-up display, enhancing the Suburban's tech offerings.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 system was a standout feature, offering faster performance and greater personalization. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The larger 10.1-inch touchscreen was available on higher trims, providing clear graphics and responsive touch controls. The Durango's family entertainment system included a Blu-ray and DVD player with high-resolution screens, adding to its appeal for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to the Suburban's safety offerings.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to rivals, with a rearview camera as the only standard active safety feature. 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 NHTSA, though its front crash testing ratings were pending.