2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish SUV that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many competitors with aggressive, chiseled exteriors, Mazda opted for a more refined look. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, and dual-zone climate control. The top-tier Signature model boasted premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The new SRT Hellcat model, in particular, showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior schemes. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The cabin materials ranged from cloth to luxurious Laguna leather, depending on the trim level.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The most fuel-efficient model was the FWD non-turbo, achieving 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbocharged AWD model managed 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's sporty drive was engaging, but its stiff suspension could be a drawback on rough roads.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine choices: 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 up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and precise steering. However, its chassis showed its age, and the suspension could be bumpy on rough roads.

The Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality. The seating position and distance to the center stack were typical for an SUV of its size. Headroom was good in both rows, but legroom was limited for rear passengers. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections in the rear outboard seats and a tether connector in the middle seat. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. However, the cargo space was below average, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating and ample storage space. It could seat up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more spacious than many competitors and easy to access. The Durango offered 21 seat options, providing plenty of choices for buyers. The cargo space was average for its class, but the fit and finish had significantly improved, making it a solid choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less so. The interface was uncluttered but outdated, and the controls were not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was five times faster than its predecessor and offered greater personalization, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players and two 9-inch screens. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly and responsive, though a head-up display would have enhanced its usability.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Additional features like a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera and federally mandated passive safety features. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. However, its front crash testing ratings were not yet available.