2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 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 color schemes. Inside, the 2021 Durango boasted a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leathers, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors adding a funky flavor.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition received significant updates, including a new grille, headlights, bumper, and redesigned wheels. The rear also saw revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. The Expedition came in various trims, including a new off-road-focused Timberline trim. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter with a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle, a Limited Stealth Edition, included a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display and a host of premium features like leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The Expedition's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

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 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced a whopping 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, especially on rough roads and tracks. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance metrics, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque (400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel). The Stealth Edition Performance Package increased output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Expedition could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The twin-turbo V6 provided addictive power and a pleasing exhaust note, but fuel economy suffered, with observed figures around 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition offered good handling but resulted in a harsh ride on uneven pavement. The adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims improved ride quality.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more spacious than many competitors, making it easy to access. The Durango provided 21 seat options and had average cargo space for its class. Dodge's improved fit and finish were evident, making the Durango a versatile and athletic family SUV.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort and ease of access, thanks to available power running boards. The spacious cabin provided plenty of room for passengers, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with their own climate controls and cupholders. The third row was easy to access and offered good leg support, though headroom could be tight for taller passengers. The Expedition's cargo space varied, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than its predecessor and offered user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and OTA updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players and two 9-inch screens. SRT models had unique infotainment and instrument cluster features, including a "smoke show" start-up animation.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. Sync 4 came with a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen with a single physical dial for volume. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, natural voice recognition, and connected navigation. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless charging, and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Sync 4A had an upgraded voice-recognition system and adaptive dashcard interface. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 made reversing with a trailer easier.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, parking sensors, 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-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered comprehensive safety features through three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also introduced Road Edge Detection and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.