2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The 2020 model offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with varying features from basic to luxury and performance-oriented. The Durango was set for a refresh in 2021, promising more aggressive styling and a reworked cabin.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, meanwhile, blended into the compact crossover market with styling similar to its competitors. It had a few distinguishing features, like its grille and chromed plastic accents, but was not a standout in terms of exterior design. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though most were shades of grey, black, or white. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and upscale materials in higher trims. It competed with vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

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. The SRT's performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes enhanced its handling, making it surprisingly agile for its size.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high performance but offered smooth and steady acceleration. All trims featured a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX and standard on other trims.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered ample cargo space, with 490 litres 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 comfortable seating in the front and second rows, though the third row was best suited for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The cabin featured multiple storage options, including cargo bins, cupholders, and trays.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, comfortably seating five people and offering more than 100 litres of interior volume over the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo space. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, from manual operation in the LX to a hands-free power tailgate in the Touring. Most trims included roof rails for additional cargo-carrying capability.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch version available on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V included multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2020 Dodge Durango included 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 earned a four-star NHTSA rating and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's safety features were available across all trims, with blind spot monitoring standard from the Sport trim upwards.