2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, exclusive 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look more upscale compared to other Palisade versions. The Limited trim, which previously included some of these features, now shared an exterior look with the Palisade SEL equipped with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that didn't have them previously.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim impressed with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, light striated simulated wood trim, and quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather. The suede headliner added to the luxurious feel, making the Calligraphy’s cabin appear more expensive than its actual price. This trim level was noted for its upscale interior, rivaling even the Kia Telluride SX Prestige in terms of luxury.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, which had been a hallmark since its third generation debuted in 2011. The new 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat model featured a cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a different front end. Six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version were available, with options varying by trim level. The Durango came in 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes.

Inside, the Durango’s cabin featured a new-for-2021 instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running FCA’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior became more premium and sophisticated as you moved up the trim levels, with options for cloth, leather, suede, Nappa leather, and Laguna leather upholstery. Contrast stitching and Demonic Red-colored seat belts added a funky flavor. The updated dashboard gave the Durango a modern appearance, aligning it with the Charger and Challenger muscle cars.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would return 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg.

The Palisade’s firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it more communicative about road conditions compared to the softer Kia Telluride. While it was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads, it did not encourage aggressive driving. The Palisade was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with plenty of power and agreeable steering and brake modulation. It also offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four different engines: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 produced 293 horsepower (single exhaust) or 295 horsepower (dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-liter V8 in the Durango R/T made 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the 392 HEMI V8 in the Durango SRT 392 delivered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the Durango SRT Hellcat produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque.

The Durango’s steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with the suspension allowing bumps to be felt in the cabin. The Hellcat’s brakes provided ample stopping power, even on the track. The Durango R/T with the Tow N Go Package had a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, and the V8 engine handled the load well, though acceleration was modulated. The SRT models offered SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance information and configurable drive modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. Third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, and they slid forward for easy access to the third row. The Palisade’s third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class.

In-cabin storage was plentiful, with a large front center console and door panel storage. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate automatically opened when it detected the key fob, though this feature could be turned off if desired.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered comfortable seating, good storage space, and family entertainment options. It came standard with seating for five in two rows, with an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with enough room for taller passengers. The third row was more spacious than many competitors and easy to access. Dodge offered 21 seat options, providing plenty of choices for buyers.

Cargo space in the Durango was average for its class, functioning as expected. The Durango’s fit and finish had improved significantly, standing out compared to earlier models and other Dodge vehicles like the Journey and Grand Caravan.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both systems could pair two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than the previous system and offered greater personalization, connected services, Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates via the 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls.

The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. SRT models received unique appearance features, including a “smoke show” start-up animation and SRT serpentine font. The gauge cluster’s design made it difficult to read the exact speed, but the TomTom navigation system was a standout feature, providing clear and responsive directions.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Higher trims included active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.

The 2021 Dodge Durango fell short in safety compared to its rivals. It came standard with a rearview camera and 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 testing ratings were not yet available.