2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling from its third generation, which began in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look, aligning more with Dodge's muscle car family, the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw a refreshed design, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colors, with six interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango boasted a new instrument panel and an updated Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing its modern appeal. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors, providing a personalized touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90, built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture, presented a poised stance with a long, sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a nod to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a commitment to leather-free interiors by 2030. The XC90 offered a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, with our test model featuring leather seats, which proved comfortable in high temperatures. The interior design emphasized quality and luxury, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower, and moving up to the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, delivering a staggering 710 horsepower 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 performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its aging chassis showed limitations on rough roads and tracks. 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 Volvo XC90 provided three powertrain options, starting with the T5's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, and moving to the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's engines used premium gasoline, with the T8 offering an electric range of up to 36 miles. The XC90 excelled in handling, with minimal body roll and a smooth power delivery, thanks to its electric motor. The driving experience was enjoyable, with the T8 Inscription extended range model providing spirited acceleration and a refined ride.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with the third row providing more room than many competitors. The Durango offered 21 seat options, catering to various preferences. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, earning awards for initial vehicle quality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well, even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice year-round.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system offered faster performance, user profiles, and connectivity options like Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay. The family entertainment system included a Blu-ray and DVD player with two 9-inch screens. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have improved usability.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was well-placed for easy access, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided clear graphics. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90's Bowers & Wilkins sound system was a highlight, offering exceptional audio quality. The vehicle included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot, with the Volvo Care app providing remote vehicle controls.

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 IIHS ratings were not available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, affirming its status as a top performer in safety.