2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof, while the electric XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The Recharge also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a unique Sage Green Metallic color. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium interior experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, consistent with Dodge's family of vehicles. The Durango SRT Hellcat model, in particular, showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, emphasizing its performance-oriented design. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a wide range of exterior and interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior became increasingly premium with higher trim levels, offering a range of upholstery options and contrast stitching for a personalized touch.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also offered a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Dodge Durango provided 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. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 offered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 392 HEMI V8 delivered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT Hellcat generated 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. Despite its power, the Durango's chassis showed its age, with a reactive suspension and a less refined ride on rough roads. However, the SRT models provided impressive stopping power and performance features for track enthusiasts.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and electric versions, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 featured clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the optional third row was more spacious 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, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The gasoline models retained the previous infotainment system. The Recharge lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 system, available on higher trims, was five times faster than its predecessor and offered extensive personalization options. It included features like Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. The gauge cluster's design made it challenging to read the speedometer accurately, but the TomTom navigation system was praised for its clarity and responsiveness.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests, thanks to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. The Recharge also featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features, offering only a rearview camera as standard. 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 front crash-test ratings were pending.