2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 received updates for 2021, 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 modernized instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the new Uconnect 5 system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with unique options like Demonic Red seat belts. The Durango's diverse trim levels catered to a wide range of buyers, offering everything from track-ready equipment to luxurious appointments.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, staying true to its roots with a construction similar to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many modern SUVs, the 4Runner embraced its off-road capabilities, with features like a high ride height and a sharply angled front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's design was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a focus on functionality. The 4Runner offered several trims, including the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features. Standard equipment included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added features like a JBL premium audio system and advanced off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's design and features made it a niche choice for those seeking adventure beyond paved roads.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8, standard in the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of power came with the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, boasting 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and the Durango offered both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Durango excelled in straight-line speed 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 transmitted road imperfections to the cabin. Despite this, the Durango's steering was precise, and its braking performance was strong, especially in the Hellcat model.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive with a low range. While the engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a jostling experience over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was modest compared to some competitors but sufficient for most needs.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats offered ample space, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango provided 21 seat options, allowing for customization to suit various preferences. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, offering a more refined interior compared to earlier models.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. The three-row option reduced cargo space behind the rear seats to just 9 cubic feet. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access to the cargo area. While the 4Runner's cabin packaging was not as efficient as newer models, it provided sufficient space for gear and passengers.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with higher trims offering a 10.1-inch screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. However, the analog speedometer's design made it challenging to read at a glance, and a head-up display was notably absent.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation, especially useful when wearing gloves. While the 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. However, its simplicity was appreciated by those who preferred tactile controls.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered limited standard safety features, with only a rearview camera as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, but its front crash testing ratings were not available.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the NHTSA.