2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its design roots tracing back to a 2011 overhaul. Its connection to the Charger muscle sedan was 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 sibling, 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 styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 model 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 Volvo XC40 featured traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well within the Volvo lineup with its signature "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and simple grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, was distinguished by a blanked-off grille and unique styling elements. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 offered a minimalist interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and well-integrated elements, providing a premium feel without compromising on utility.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, emphasizing comfort and quietness over speed, with features like one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

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. It offered competitive space compared to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango also featured multiple storage options and a towing capacity ranging from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, including the Recharge model, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to its gasoline counterparts. However, it had less legroom and headroom than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 made up for its limited space with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, with optional wireless charging and a standard USB-C port.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Uconnect was praised for its straightforward menu layout and tablet-inspired interface, with dock icons for easy navigation. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link on higher trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims offered an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, using a key fob for ignition, with future plans for a Digital Key feature.

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 rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing, with optional crash-prevention technology rated as Superior.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The XC40 came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model included Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.