2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation 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 some 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 updates included 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.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model and offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. Our test vehicle was the High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The High Tide also included the Xtreme Recon package with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior remained basic, with durable materials and a focus on functionality over luxury.

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 rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model provided 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier SRT Hellcat's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 generated 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance data, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the test vehicle included the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, these traits were part of the Wrangler's charm, offering an immersive and adventurous driving experience. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the High Tide's suspension lift and large tires, making it a capable off-roader.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It could seat up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats and a more accommodating third row than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. Dodge offered 21 seat options, providing plenty of choices for buyers.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter or less-limber individuals. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber interior materials. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with small trays and compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen 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 over-the-air updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. A family entertainment system with 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.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation, but our test vehicle did not include these upgrades. Despite this, streaming services and smartphone integration provided sufficient functionality. The Wrangler High Tide also featured remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel from the Cold Weather Group.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to its rivals. It came standard with a rearview camera and federally mandated 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. 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 Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact performance. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.