2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The exterior design, largely unchanged since 2011, was refreshed for the 2021 model year, particularly evident in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model. This version featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, catering to diverse tastes. Inside, the cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, adding a touch of flair. The Durango's design strategy provided a model for nearly every preference, from track-ready equipment to luxurious appointments.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its imposing size. Sharing its basic structure with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique styling elements, such as a rectilinear grille and full-width taillights. The Monochromatic Package added body-colour elements, while chrome accents maintained a classy appearance. The interior impressed with seven colour palettes and high-quality materials, including the Perfect Position seats with 30-way adjustability. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and refined, offering a serene driving experience. While the Navigator's styling was more subdued, it was designed to appeal to those seeking luxury and sophistication in a large SUV.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, while the 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model provided 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. The pinnacle was the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, boasting 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its chassis showed its age on rough roads. The SRT models featured performance pages for track enthusiasts, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator delivered a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. Its towing capacity was substantial at 8,300 pounds. While fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power delivery. The adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as sophisticated as some competitors. The Navigator's steering and brakes were less precise, but its overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing luxury and comfort over nimbleness.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the third row was more accommodating than many rivals. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. Its midsize packaging made it a versatile option for families seeking a balance between athletic design and practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of seating up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench. The boxy design maximized cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator L variant provided even more storage capacity. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, enhancing the driving experience. While the second-row seats lacked some advanced features, the overall interior space and comfort were impressive, making the Navigator a strong contender for those needing ample room and luxury.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, both running the Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear-seat entertainment system was available on select models, providing additional family-friendly options. The Durango's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the gauge cluster could be challenging to read at times.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt dated compared to newer competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, and voice recognition was accurate, but the lack of onboard apps and wireless updates was a drawback. The Navigator did offer wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming, adding some modern conveniences.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a back-up camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated it 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.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety for second-row passengers. While the Navigator's safety features were comprehensive, it lacked some advanced driver assistance systems found in competitors.