2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a status symbol with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade old, remained timeless with its sleek lines and hallmark features. Inside, it exuded luxury with its high-contrast Ivory interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, the InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The Durango's design was refreshed for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel and color options, and its interior was updated with a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Durango's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with a range of upholstery options, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard four-wheel drive system and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensuring off-road capability. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and height contributed to a side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 18.5 mpg.

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 SRT Hellcat model boasted 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, providing impressive acceleration and smooth shifts. The Durango's steering was responsive, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango excelled in towing, with the R/T model capable of hauling up to 8,700 pounds. The SRT models offered Performance Pages for tracking vehicle performance, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and minimal luggage capacity. The Range Rover offered 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, but this was less than some compact SUVs.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family vehicle, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. The Durango provided ample cargo space, though unremarkable for its class. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, making the Durango a well-rounded family hauler with a sporty design.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features, enhancing convenience and usability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 system was a significant upgrade, offering faster performance and greater personalization. The system supported multiple Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango's family entertainment system included a Blu-ray and DVD player with dual screens. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have improved its functionality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera and federally mandated equipment. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash ratings were pending.