2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, giving it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This change marked a departure from the elegance of previous models, while still retaining some sophistication as seen in the streamlined sides and rear. The all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, along with the Chrysler wing badge, added to its modern appeal. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, enhancing its bold look.

Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium features. The Pinnacle trim, in particular, was designed for luxury, featuring a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and its sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride. Overall, the Pacifica delivered a premium experience, especially in its top trims.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The 2021 model year saw revisions, particularly 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 exterior colours, allowing for customization. Inside, the Durango's cabin received updates with a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing its modern appeal.

The Durango's interior offered a range of upholstery options, from cloth to Laguna leather, with contrast stitching and Demonic Red seat belts adding a funky touch. The dashboard updates aligned it with Dodge's muscle cars, and the variety of trim levels catered to different preferences, from track-ready equipment to fine appointments. The Durango's versatility and unique packaging strategy set it apart in the SUV market.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, while the AWD version had slightly higher rates.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with up to 295 horsepower, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower, a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with 710 horsepower. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for track days, providing detailed performance information. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, showcasing its capability as a family hauler.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. The minivan featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The under-console storage and in-floor bins added to its practicality, while the interior's premium materials enhanced comfort.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with its midsize packaging and athletic design. It offered seating for up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many competitors, and the Durango's cargo space was average for its class. The SUV's fit and finish had improved over the years, contributing to its appeal as a versatile family vehicle.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with navigation that rerouted quickly. The Pacifica offered a second-row in-seat entertainment system and a high-quality Harman Kardon sound system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 system was five times faster than its predecessor, offering personalization and connected services. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a clear and responsive interface. The Durango's rear-seat entertainment system included Blu-ray and DVD players, and SRT models featured unique appearance features. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have enhanced its usability.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to rivals, with a back-up camera as the only standard active feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for a 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.