2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling from its third generation, which debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look, aligning more with Dodge's muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw revisions, especially in the new SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a redesigned front end. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior schemes. Inside, the 2021 updates included a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leathers, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors adding a funky flavor.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport, a welcome sight after a long flight. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its plush interior, the Expedition struggled to accommodate our luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition Platinum boasted a chrome grille, 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, making it a striking vehicle. The extended-length MAX version would have solved our cargo issues, offering more space. Inside, the Expedition's leather-lined cabin and parts from the F-150 pickup truck provided a mix of luxury and practicality, though some hard plastics reminded us of its origins.

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, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T model delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392's 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 generated a whopping 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth acceleration and confident steering. The Durango's chassis showed its age, with a bumpy ride on rural roads and a suspension that struggled on the track. The Hellcat's Brembo brakes performed well, even under repeated laps. The R/T model's Tow N Go Package allowed for stable towing, with a capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, with Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology making trailer maneuvering easier. The Expedition's acceleration impressed, even with a full load, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Platinum's 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin, though the independent suspension kept the SUV stable. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but our Platinum model stuck to pavement, averaging 17.1 mpg.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, ample storage, and family entertainment options. It wasn't as elegant as some competitors but struck a balance with its midsize packaging and athletic design. The Durango could seat up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many rivals, with easy access. The Durango offered 21 seat options, providing plenty of choices for buyers. Cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. Dodge's improved fit and finish earned it awards for initial vehicle quality, standing out from earlier models.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The test vehicle's front seats offered a massage function, adding to the luxury. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. Cargo volume expanded from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and up to 104.6 cubic feet with all seats down. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet. However, the high liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was five times faster than its predecessor, offering user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and OTA updates via a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. A family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD player was available on higher trims. The gauge cluster's design made it difficult to read the exact speed, but the TomTom navigation system was a standout feature, providing clear and responsive directions.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen looked small and was sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition were also included. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging but lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. This system, available on most trims, included dual screens, a DVD player, gaming system inputs, streaming capabilities, and Slingbox compatibility.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind rivals in safety, with a rearview camera as its only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. Many competitors offered these features as standard. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with its substantial curb weight, had a safety advantage. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash-test rating, though the RWD model received a three-star rollover rating, and the 4WD model earned four stars. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-keeping technology was helpful in narrow lanes, though more advanced systems were not yet available.