2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Dodge hadn’t significantly altered the exterior styling of the Durango since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the two SUVs looked distinctly different. The Durango maintained a muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with its family members, the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw revisions, especially in the new SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a redesigned front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with availability varying by trim level. Buyers could choose from 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. The cabin featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running FCA’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while leather, suede, Nappa leather, and Laguna leather were available on higher trims. The updates to the dashboard gave the Durango a modern appearance, aligning it with the Charger and Challenger muscle cars. The Durango offered a variety of grades, catering to different buyer preferences, from track-ready equipment to fine appointments and unique packaging.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, followed Jeep design traditions while introducing a two-row version of the previous year’s extended-length Grand Cherokee L. The new Grand Cherokee launched with a powertrain and trim-level lineup mirroring its larger sibling. Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee’s styling reflected influences from the 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. A black roof option was available on some versions, and more paint colors were expected. Inside, the Grand Cherokee was similar to the ’21 Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering good quality despite its basic interior. Higher trims, like the Summit Reserve, featured premium quilted leather, heated and ventilated seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The gloss black finish on higher trims’ controls could be reflective, making them harder to use, while lower trims used a more functional matte-black finish. Overall, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of styles and comforts to meet various needs.

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 different versions for each engine type. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional or mandatory on certain models. The V6 engine, standard in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced 293 horsepower (single exhaust) or 295 horsepower (dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim came with a 5.7-liter V8, delivering 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, which was also available as an upgrade for the Citadel. The SRT 392 featured a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth shifts and controlled power. The Durango’s steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension on rural roads and a tech-fighting architecture on the track. The Hellcat’s Brembo six-piston brakes provided ample stopping power. The R/T’s Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, with stable travel thanks to the "Tow" drive mode’s 50/50 AWD torque distribution. SRT models offered SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance information and configurable drive modes.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a V6 or V8 engine. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was expected later in the model year. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The 5.7-liter V8, available with higher trims and only with 4WD, delivered 357 hp at 5,150 rpm and 390 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering different levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee used an eight-speed automatic transmission with a dial-style shifter, which could be tricky to use. EPA estimates ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The Trailhawk trim featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes, making it highly capable off-road. The V6 engine was preferred for its efficiency and good acceleration, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound but at a higher cost. The Grand Cherokee’s ride quality was excellent, with or without the Quadra-Lift air suspension, though the latter dulled the SUV’s traditional driving character.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, ample storage space, family entertainment options, and ease of driving. It wasn’t as elegant as the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, nor as bulky as the Nissan Armada or Ford Expedition. The Durango’s midsize packaging made it versatile, with seating for five in two rows and up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with enough room for taller passengers. The optional third row was more spacious than many competitors, 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 fit and finish had improved significantly, standing out compared to earlier models like the Journey and Grand Caravan.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, front seat massagers, and more. Even the base Laredo with cloth upholstery was comfortable and of good quality. The redesign aimed to improve visibility, which was achieved, especially for off-roading. Improved sightlines and camera technologies added driver confidence, and the available panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin’s airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom and greater cargo capacity, with 37.7 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than the previous system, offering greater personalization, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates via the 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. A family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens 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, offering clear and responsive guidance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on all trims, offered a five-fold improvement in responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L, voice recognition, and dual Bluetooth connections were standard. Upgrades included navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The larger 10.1-inch screen complemented the 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and available head-up display. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger allowed for entertainment and driver assistance, though it came at a high cost.

The 2021 Dodge Durango fell short in safety compared to its rivals. 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, front and rear 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 testing ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed extensively of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included features related to driving assistance and collision avoidance, with Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist as notable additions. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, effective on highways but requiring driver attention on tighter curves. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.