2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, giving it a more muscular appearance with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This change marked a departure from the elegance of previous models, while still retaining some sophistication in its side and rear design. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a premium feel, especially in the top trims like the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle trim boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, providing a luxurious experience. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The Durango SRT Hellcat model showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. As buyers moved up the trim levels, the Durango became more premium, offering options like leather, suede, and Nappa leather upholstery. The updates to the dashboard gave it a modern appearance, aligning it with Dodge's muscle cars. The Durango's variety of grades catered to different preferences, offering track-ready equipment, fine appointments, and unique packaging.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on driving conditions and deactivated for improved fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers when equipped with AWD.

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. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The V6 engine, standard in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced 293 horsepower with a single exhaust or 295 horsepower with a dual exhaust, and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The SRT 392 trim featured a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The SRT Hellcat trim boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 with 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension on rural roads and a struggle with its architecture on the track. The Durango R/T offered a Tow N Go Package, providing a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area with a rubberized bin for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating. The second-row under-console storage was a convenient addition, offering space for charging cords and other items. The Pacifica's second and third-row seats provided sufficient legroom, with Stow 'n Go seats allowing for easy loading. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It provided seating for five in two rows, with an option for seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, accommodating taller passengers, while the third row offered more space than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, with the Durango standing out compared to previous models like the Journey and Grand Caravan.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a modern and customizable experience, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pacifica offered a range of sound system upgrades, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. The system was faster and more personalized, offering features like Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The family entertainment system included a Blu-ray and DVD player with two high-resolution screens. The Durango's infotainment screen and instrument cluster had a unique look, with SRT models receiving additional features. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would enhance its usability.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

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 forward-collision warning. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not yet available.