2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and somewhat understated full-size SUV design. While some might have found its styling a bit dull, this simplicity contributed to its timeless appeal, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership. The King Ranch variant stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added a touch of elegance, although the taillight shape and body-coloured C-pillar were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, offering a luxurious yet slightly controversial cabin experience. However, the presence of hard plastics, especially in lower trims, was a drawback for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The 2021 model year brought a refreshed look, particularly evident in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, allowing for personalization. Inside, the Durango's cabin received updates, including a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials improved as buyers moved up the trim levels, with options for leather, suede, and Nappa leather seats. The Durango's dashboard updates aligned it with Dodge's muscle car lineup, offering a modern and cohesive design.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system was standard in Canada, offering a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms for the standard model and 4,082 kilograms for the MAX version. Despite its size, the Expedition handled urban environments well, thanks to its tight turning radius and adaptive damping suspension. However, the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect roads. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, setting it apart from competitors. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6, 5.7-litre HEMI V8, 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 engine produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 horsepower. The SRT 392 boasted 475 horsepower, and the SRT Hellcat's supercharged engine reached an impressive 710 horsepower. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The SRT models offered track-ready performance, with features like SRT Performance Pages and configurable drive modes. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package provided a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, making it a versatile choice for towing enthusiasts.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch's power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added to the comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 971 litres in the MAX version. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,962 litres in the standard model and 3,440 litres in the MAX.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a versatile family hauler with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. Cargo space was average for its class, providing practicality for everyday use. The Durango's fit and finish had improved over the years, offering a more refined interior compared to earlier models. While it wasn't as elegant as some rivals, its midsize packaging and athletic design made it a popular choice for families.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, felt outdated compared to newer systems. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The available Bang & Olufsen sound system and rear-seat entertainment system added to the tech offerings. Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came equipped with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with the larger screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable, offering features like user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear-seat entertainment system included Blu-ray and DVD players with high-resolution screens. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clarity and responsiveness, although a head-up display would have enhanced its usability.

The 2020 Ford Expedition prioritized safety with its Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The ADAS technology was smooth and effective, contributing to a safe driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango, however, lagged behind in safety features. It came standard with a back-up camera and passive safety features, but active safety features were optional depending on the trim level. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.