2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform was over a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was set for a refresh in 2021, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 model offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with varying features from basic amenities to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though not groundbreaking in its design. It featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, adding a rich look to the front. The MDX had a sleek, low-slung profile with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple design with twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials, providing a solid and well-built feel. The centre stack was a highlight, offering a high-mounted LED screen for navigation and a touchscreen for other controls, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Durango's performance was impressive, with the SRT offering strong low-end power and car-like handling, enhanced by performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided two powertrain options. The standard model featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors, producing 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MDX excelled in straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system with torque-vectoring technology. This system improved cornering and handling, making the MDX a smooth and confident drive.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 490 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,351 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,393 litres with both the second and third rows down. It provided ample cabin space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, enhancing access to the third row and allowing for adjustable legroom. It offered 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX included various storage options, such as a big glove box, a flexible centre console, and door panel pockets. It also featured tri-zone climate control, providing separate heating and cooling options for different cabin areas.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system. Uconnect was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a range of technology features across its trim packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included additional tech features, while the Technology Plus and Elite Packages offered further upgrades, such as an upgraded audio system and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score from the IIHS for driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured standard AcuraWatch, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, with a "good" rating in all crash-test categories.