2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

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 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 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for a smooth and stylish look that stood out from the deeply-creased designs of other automakers. The base CX-5 GX featured LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and rain-sensing wipers, while the GS added leatherette seats and a power liftgate. The Kuro Edition offered unique styling with red leather seats and black metallic wheels. The GT trim added leather upholstery and a Bose audio system, while the top-tier Signature model boasted premium features like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim. The CX-5's interior was well-executed, with good fit and finish, though it lacked the cargo space of some competitors.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. 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 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Durango's V6 offered decent power for a family SUV, while the V8 in the R/T provided confident acceleration. The SRT was a performance beast with strong low-end power and car-like handling, enhanced by a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The SRT's driving experience was further optimized with Dodge's SRT performance pages, offering detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available on the GX, GS, and Kuro Edition trims. The GT trim offered a choice between the base engine and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine was standard on the Signature trim. The CX-5's FWD models with the non-turbo engine were the most fuel-efficient, while the turbo models offered spirited performance, especially in Sport mode. The CX-5's engaging driving style was complemented by its AWD system, though its stiff suspension was a noticeable downside. The turbo engine delivered plenty of power, but the seats lacked bolstering for spirited driving.

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 folded. 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 kg to 3,946 kg, depending on configuration. The cabin provided ample space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was best suited for children, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and easy-fold seats. The Durango also featured multiple cargo bins and cupholders for convenience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's design allowed it to fulfill family needs with comfort and style. The seating position and comfort level were typical for an SUV of its size, with good headroom but limited legroom for rear passengers. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections in the rear, though they were not the easiest to use. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, while the larger shifter took up passenger space. The CX-5's cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. Competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 offered more cargo space. A power liftgate was available for added convenience.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation, with a tablet-inspired layout and dock icons for easy access to functions. The Durango came standard with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link available on higher trims. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate, though smaller than some competitors. Higher trims offered an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available as an option.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though the operating system was not as user-friendly as some competitors. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and there were no knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favourites. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's limitations. The volume could be adjusted via a switch on the steering wheel or a knob in the centre console, but the overall infotainment experience was not as seamless as it could be.

The 2020 Dodge Durango was equipped 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. The Durango lacked standard high-tech driver-assistance features, but the Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were also available. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing. The IIHS rated it as Moderate for driver's side small-front overlap testing and Good in other crash tests, with Superior crash-prevention technology as optional equipment.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. Additional features like a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with Good scores in crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star rating. Mazda provided a three-year/unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre powertrain warranty.