2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior received updates for the 2021 model year, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model. This version featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior schemes. Inside, the cabin 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, providing a modern and customizable experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's profile in a sportier package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille contributed to its unmistakable presence. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments like a sloping roof and flush door handles, creating a streamlined appearance. Special details such as taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts added to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim introduced bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin featured high-quality materials, even in the base trim, with a polished black center stack and reconfigurable instrument panel. The interior was sleek, though less opulent than previous models, with a focus on functionality and style.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, including a 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter HEMI V8, 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT Hellcat model boasted an impressive 710 hp. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. 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 track enthusiasts, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush experience. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system was available in two power levels: 340 hp and 395 hp. This powertrain offered high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's Terrain Response system included six driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the optional third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. With 21 seat options, buyers had plenty of choices to customize their Durango.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over interior space, resulting in a tighter cabin compared to midsize SUVs. Rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was compromised by thick pillars and small windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which some found illogical. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and new features like voice activation and advanced navigation.

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. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering features like Amazon Alexa connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have enhanced its functionality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The system was customizable, and the instrument panel could display full-width maps. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to rivals, 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 awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing results were pending.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.