2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling from its third-generation debut in 2011, maintaining a muscular and athletic appearance that aligned with its Dodge siblings, the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw some revisions, particularly in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango boasted a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors, giving the SUV a modern and customizable feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more understated, blending in with other compact crossovers in the market. While it had a few distinguishing features like its grille and some chrome accents, the CR-V was not typically chosen for its exterior aesthetics. It was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with wood panels and chrome accents available in higher trims. The CR-V's design focused on functionality, providing a modern look with angular seat details, but it lacked the distinctive styling found in some competitors.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower, and moving up to a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower, a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 delivering a formidable 710 horsepower in the SRT Hellcat model. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and the Durango offered both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The Durango excelled in power and towing capacity, with the R/T model capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds. However, its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin. The SRT models included performance features like SRT Performance Pages, providing detailed vehicle performance data.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a single 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not designed for high-performance driving, the CR-V offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's drivetrain was less engaging compared to some competitors, which offered more conventional transmissions with sport modes. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango offered 21 seat options, allowing for significant customization. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly over previous models, contributing to its appeal as a family vehicle.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with a passenger volume of 102.9 cubic feet and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible via a manual tailgate on lower trims, with power and hands-free options available on higher trims. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims running the Uconnect 5 system. This system offered enhanced personalization, connectivity options, and over-the-air updates. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. However, the analog speedometer's design made it difficult to read exact speeds, and a head-up display was not available.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful in the CR-V, with wireless charging available on the Touring trim. The Touring trim also included a satellite navigation system.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, 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 NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but other crash-test ratings were not available.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included a suite of standard safety features across all trims, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.