2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained its third-generation design introduced back in 2011, but it never felt outdated thanks to continuous stylistic updates. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the two SUVs showcased distinct differences with the Durango presenting a muscular and athletic look, consistent with Dodge's family of vehicles that included the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 revision highlighted this even more, especially with the introduction of the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhausts, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, among other aggressive styling cues.

The Durango offered a variety of wheel options with six 20-inch varieties and one 18-inch version. Buyers could choose from 11 exterior colors and six interior schemes, ensuring plenty of customization opportunities. Inside the cabin, a new instrument panel and Uconnect 5 infotainment system on an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen brought modern technology to the SUV. The material quality improved as you moved up the trim levels, featuring options like suede, Nappa leather, and even Laguna leather, with contrast stitching and unique Demonic Red seat belts.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and slightly aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and kicked-up third-row window gave the Highlander a compact yet roomy appearance. The cabin was exceptionally spacious with clever storage solutions for modern needs like iPads and juice boxes. Our test model was the XSE trim, which boasted a striking red leather package interior combined with a sedate navy blue exterior, adding a bit of flair. The XSE also stood out with its unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander was available in L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims. The base model L included useful features like 18-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, climate control, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum added even more luxuries such as heated and ventilated seats, genuine leather upholstery, and advanced tech features. The Platinum trim topped it off with adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engine choices paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The base 3.6-liter V6, delivering up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. For those craving more power, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 found in the Durango R/T churned out 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 trim upped the ante with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. At the pinnacle, the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat model offered an astounding 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango featured both rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, with the AWD being mandatory on particular models.

The Hellcat engine, though highly powerful, managed smooth and controllable driving whether in city traffic or highway speeds. However, the Durango’s chassis showed its age with a suspension that often passed road bumps into the cabin, and the vehicle's architecture sometimes fought against its advanced tech during track testing. On a positive note, the Durango excelled in towing, with the R/T model equipped with a Tow N Go Package handling up to 8,700 pounds smoothly.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. This powertrain provided adequate acceleration and a throaty exhaust note but shone brightest at cruising speeds and for overtaking maneuvers on the highway.

The Highlander’s performance was further complemented by a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim, which minimized body roll and provided a comfortable ride even over bumpy roads. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds—average for its class—making it more than capable for typical family towing needs. Its drive modes allowed for adaptive performance from sportier driving to fuel-efficient cruising, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, abundant storage space, and a variety of seating configurations. Standard seating accommodated five passengers in two rows, with options for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats offered ample space, suitable for taller individuals. The third row, while not capacious, was still relatively spacious compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander, allowing for better accessibility and comfort.

Cargo space in the Durango was adequate but not class-leading, providing necessary functionality without standing out. However, Dodge’s recent improvements in vehicle quality were evident, with the Durango’s fit and finish receiving high marks.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander prioritized cargo space, offering up to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. With the second-row seats up, the SUV provided 48.4 cubic feet of space, and with all seats in place, there were 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The accessible latches and pull-straps made folding and unfolding seats a breeze. Upper trims included a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The Highlander’s cabin designed for practicality, included an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and numerous storage pockets and trays, ensuring ample organized space for small items. The XSE trim in our test delivered second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort and providing easy access to the third row, though the latter was best suited for short trips for adults.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came equipped with either an 8.4-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen, with the larger screen featuring the new Uconnect 5 system, boasting five times the speed of its predecessor, Uconnect 4. Uconnect 5 supported multiple user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The easy-to-navigate system was a significant upgrade and came with a new visual interface and quick touch response.

For rear passengers, a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player was available on higher trims. SRT models featured unique appearance packages for the infotainment screen and gauge cluster, adding flair to the driving experience. However, the speedometer design made it challenging to decipher exact speeds quickly.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across most trims, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly with a clear layout and physical buttons for climate controls, blending modern tech with practical ease of use. Upper trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, though it was not as intuitive as the smaller one.

The Highlander also came standard with a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and wireless charging. Optional upgrades included an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system, a digital instrument panel screen, and additional USB-C ports for more contemporary connectivity options.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind some competitors in safety features. Standard equipment included a rearview camera and federally mandated passive features like airbags and electronic stability control. Buyers could opt for additional safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning based on the trim level and packages selected. However, many of these active safety features were standard on rivals.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but other crash-test data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was pending.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver-assistance features including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Most trims included additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with options for front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights available on higher trims.

The Highlander's lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist were highly active, sometimes to the point of being intrusive, especially on narrow roads. Nevertheless, the comprehensive suite provided a robust safety net for drivers.