2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Dodge Durango

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 amenities in the SXT to luxury touches in the Citadel and performance enhancements in the SRT.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, shorter and closer to the ground than the RAV4, was often compared to a Lexus in appearance, blurring brand lines with its elongated profile and grille. Available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED lighting, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with higher trims adding more luxurious touches like a 12.3-inch screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, and the Venza was praised for its premium appointments and unique cabin design, offering a refined alternative to the more rugged RAV4.

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 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 acceleration. The SRT stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive handling for its size.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) with a sequential-shifting feature. While the Venza's power was less than some competitors, it provided smooth acceleration and confident handling. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming rivals like the Murano and Passport. Toyota's hybrid powertrain came with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, adding to its appeal.

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 rows down. While not the largest in its class, the Durango provided ample space for most needs. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a second row that could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on configuration, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, while not as spacious as the RAV4, offered a unique cabin design with premium appointments. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity, but sufficient for daily use. The interior featured a deep centre console with modern amenities, and both rows of seating were comfortable for extended drives. The Venza's overall passenger volume was similar to the RAV4, offering a spacious feel despite its smaller cargo area. The quick-flip releases on the rear seatbacks made arranging cargo space easy.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch screen available on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with a tablet-inspired layout and dock icons for easy navigation. Standard features 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 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited featured a 12.3-inch screen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most intuitive. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system on higher trims. Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect were standard, offering roadside assistance and remote vehicle access. Dynamic navigation on models with the larger screen provided real-time route guidance.

The 2020 Dodge Durango included 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 score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing, with optional crash-prevention technology rated as Superior.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trims. Standard features included eight airbags, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also offered blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic braking on higher trims. The Venza earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating, highlighting its strong safety credentials.