2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trim and larger wheels, enhancing its athletic appearance. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The Durango's design had remained largely unchanged since 2011, but the 2021 model year brought some revisions, particularly with the high-performance SRT Hellcat model. This variant boasted a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, emphasizing its aggressive stance. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a wide range of exterior and interior colour schemes. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and a choice of touchscreen sizes, with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system providing a modern touch. The cabin's materials improved with higher trim levels, offering options like leather and suede upholstery. The Durango's dashboard updates aligned it with Dodge's muscle car lineup, and its diverse range of models catered to various preferences, from track-ready performance to luxurious appointments.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the connected drive experience typical of BMW, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The cabin remained quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the plug-in hybrid was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of about 600 kilometres.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options, all paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The base V6 engine, available in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced 293 to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 delivering 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier SRT Hellcat model housed a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Durango's steering was precise, and the SUV handled well in various driving conditions. However, the chassis showed its age, with the suspension allowing bumps to be felt in the cabin. The Durango's braking performance was strong, especially in the Hellcat model, and the R/T trim offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for track enthusiasts, providing detailed performance data.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats provided ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate offered convenient cargo access. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the plug-in hybrid model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating and ample storage space. It could seat up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row, standard in Canada, was more accommodating than many competitors, with easy access. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, with the Durango standing out compared to earlier models. It offered a balance between midsize packaging and athletic design, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB ports, navigation, and more. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with higher trims receiving a 10.1-inch screen running the Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable, offering connected services, navigation, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The gauge cluster had some readability issues, but the TomTom navigation system was praised for its clarity and responsiveness.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a back-up camera, with additional features available depending on the trim or package. The Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a Marginal score from the IIHS for a small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash rating from the NHTSA.