2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, part of the fourth generation, maintained a timeless style that balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design contributed to its success, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo and Limited to the upscale Overland and Summit, and performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Grand Cherokee's appeal lay in its versatility, serving as a mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV. The Summit trim, with its plush interior and premium materials, exemplified luxury, though the interior design was showing its age. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee remained a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and capability.

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 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 V6 provided decent power for family hauling, while the V8s offered robust performance, with the SRT standing out for its muscle car-like acceleration and handling.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, paired with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, produced 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though fuel consumption remained high. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II system, with its Selec-Terrain traction management and Quadra-Lift air suspension, provided excellent off-road capability. The Summit trim offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, though it could feel bouncy on uneven surfaces.

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 down. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a second row available as a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on configuration.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather and leather-wrapped panels. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls embedded in the infotainment system could be distracting. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. Cargo space behind the rear seat was 1,028 litres, with a maximum of 1,934 litres with the second row folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was adequate, though the optional rear-seat entertainment system reduced console space. Practical features included grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch screen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with straightforward menu navigation and redundant hard controls. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, with the option for a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it was considered "tech lite" compared to upcoming models.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, 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 and a Moderate IIHS score for driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star NHTSA rating with 4WD, but its IIHS ratings were less impressive, with Marginal and Poor scores in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance and a backup camera.