2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

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 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen in the SXT to the luxury-minded Citadel with premium leather upholstery and the performance-focused SRT with unique styling and optional racing stripes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six distinct versions, each with unique styling cues. The base LS and popular LT had different grille patterns, while the sporty RST featured a blacked-out appearance with 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 was designed for off-roading with a modified front end, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels. The Tahoe's design included standard LED headlights and expressive taillights, with a more subtle overall styling compared to its predecessor. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country. The Tahoe's interior featured a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, though the control layout was somewhat compromised. The Z71 trim we tested offered quality materials and a smooth ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension and adaptive dampers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard 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 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The top-tier SRT boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 provided decent power for family hauling, while the V8 in the R/T offered confident acceleration. The SRT stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering car-like handling and minimal body roll for its size. The SRT's performance pages allowed for detailed drive mode customization, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-litre V8, available in all but the High Country, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with four-wheel drive optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 included off-road features like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, with adaptive dampers and an Air Ride suspension option. The 5.3-litre V8 and 10-speed transmission provided refined power delivery, while Dynamic Fuel Management technology improved fuel efficiency.

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, though the VW Atlas offered more space. 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 a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children, though access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and easy-fold seats. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple storage options, while the SRT model included a second-row centre console.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, offering improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a highlight, providing secure storage and maintaining comfort. The second row offered a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter option including entertainment displays. Access to the third row was easy, with generous clearance, though not as wide as some competitors. The third row offered improved comfort for adults, with ample legroom when the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was substantial, with 722 litres behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch screen optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and tablet-inspired design, with dock icons for easy navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link available on higher trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT offered an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system as an option.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe boasted a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform offering enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though main-menu icons were somewhat hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though its full capabilities were not tested. The Tahoe also offered an available 15-inch head-up display for easy data reference.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were standard, with front sensors on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star NHTSA rating, with five stars in side crash tests. The IIHS rated it as Moderate for driver’s side small-front overlap testing and Good in other tests, with optional crash-prevention technology rated as Superior.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premier and High Country trims added adaptive cruise control and high-speed automatic emergency braking. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected during testing, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for easier maneuvering. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.