2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

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 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in its Ultimate Calligraphy trim, stood out with a unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and additional body trim. It featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a plush interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner. The Palisade's styling was unconventional, drawing mixed reactions, but it appeared more expensive than its price suggested. Inside, the Palisade's cabin was a standout in the midsize three-row class, offering a luxurious feel at a competitive price point.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. 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 SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, with the Dodge SRT performance pages providing detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not necessarily fun. The Palisade was undemanding to drive in typical scenarios, with plenty of power and easy handling. It also offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 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 folded. It offered ample cabin space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more suitable for children, but access was easy. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kilograms (6,200 pounds) to 3,946 kilograms (8,700 pounds), depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered plush features, including eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. It provided 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the seats folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row also folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen on the GT and standard on other trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. It included 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 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, Blue Link services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

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 and rear sensors on higher trims. Optional safety 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.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Palisade's Highway Driving Assist provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.