2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling from its third generation, which 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 updates, particularly in the SRT Hellcat variant, 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 various types of leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend minivan practicality with SUV styling. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to hide the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all three rows. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, making access to the third row easy. The third-row bench was a 60/40-split that folded into the floor, and the Sienna boasted a cargo capacity of up to 101 cubic feet. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

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. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the top-tier supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat churned out 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Durango's handling was competent, though its age showed in the chassis, which struggled with bumps and track performance. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance metrics, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The Sienna's fuel economy was a standout feature, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and Toyota offered a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty on the battery.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many competitors, making it easy to access. The Durango provided 21 seat options, allowing for significant customization. Cargo space was average for its class, and the SUV's fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, earning awards for initial vehicle quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench folded into the floor easily, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience, making it easy to access the vehicle with hands full.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The new Uconnect 5 system 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 a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens was available on select trims. The gauge cluster, however, made it difficult to read the exact speed due to its design. The TomTom navigation system was a highlight, offering clear and responsive directions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi wireless phone charging and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on XLE and above. The instrument panel featured a multi-information display, with a head-up display available on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models could also upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its competitors in safety features. 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-test ratings were not available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.