2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Buick Enclave

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 a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with varying features from basic amenities to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, with a design that exuded premium appeal, especially in the Avenir trim with its unique grille and polished wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured upscale styling with organic forms, minimalist controls, and luxurious leather upholstery, though the wood accents were not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its driving experience, with a focus on comfort and ease of use, despite some shortcomings in its infotainment technology.

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 horsepower and 390 pound-feet 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 in Canada. The Durango's performance was notable, with the SRT offering impressive acceleration and handling, enhanced by performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The SRT's driving experience was further optimized with Dodge SRT performance pages, allowing for detailed drive mode customization.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine across all trims, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard on the Essence trim in Canada and all-wheel drive on higher trims. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, aided by the low torque peak, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts, and the Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

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. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kilograms to 3,946 kilograms, depending on configuration. The cabin provided ample space, with comfortable front seats and a choice of second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more suitable for children, but access was easy thanks to large doors and foldable second-row seats.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and quiet accommodations for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious touches like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with massage, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's centre console provided ample storage, and the third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space measured 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured the Uconnect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, and an 8.4-inch screen on higher trims. Uconnect was praised for its straightforward menu layout and ease of use, 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 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered upgrades like navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system, but its technology offerings were seen as lacking in comparison to other premium SUVs.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Optional driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing, with optional crash-prevention technology rated as Superior.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, added features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Enclave earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade.