2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, showcasing a design that balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its big wheels, flared fenders, and premium touches made it a standout in the SUV market. The Grand Cherokee's design versatility allowed it to straddle the line between mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV categories. With a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and the off-road-ready Trailhawk, it catered to a wide audience. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a plush interior with premium materials, though its aging design elements hinted at the need for a refresh.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango retained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of performance vehicles. The Durango's design was updated for 2021, especially evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured aggressive styling cues like a cold-air scoop and twin-pipe exhaust. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and color schemes, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Durango's cabin received a modern update with a new instrument panel and advanced infotainment system, making it more competitive in the SUV market. The Durango's design strategy focused on offering a model for nearly every buyer, from track-ready performance to family-friendly configurations.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 provided 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and effective brakes made it agile in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 360 hp, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, delivering a staggering 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat was manageable in city traffic and excelled on the highway. The Durango's steering was precise, though its chassis showed its age, affecting ride comfort on rough roads. The R/T's Tow N Go Package offered impressive towing capabilities, while the SRT models provided advanced performance features for track enthusiasts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped interior. Front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls embedded in the infotainment system could be distracting. Rear-seat comfort was adequate, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system further reduced space.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. Front and second-row seats were spacious, while the third row provided more room than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its fit and finish had improved significantly. With 21 seat options available, buyers had plenty of choices to customize their Durango's interior.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim included a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked the advanced digital capabilities expected in newer models.

The 2021 Dodge Durango introduced the Uconnect 5 system, five times faster than its predecessor, with enhanced personalization and connectivity options. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD player was available. The Durango's infotainment system was easy to navigate, though the analog speedometer could be challenging to read.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, though its headlights rated poorly without upgrades.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, 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.