2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior received updates 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, allowing buyers to personalize their SUV. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and a choice of touchscreen sizes, running the advanced 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 to the SUV's interior.

The 2022 Acura MDX, on the other hand, showcased a modern and sporty exterior design, built on a new dedicated platform. With a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, the MDX exuded elegance and sophistication. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its assertive stance. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The dashboard's layered design emphasized the cabin's width, while the unique gear selection and touchpad controls added a futuristic touch. The MDX offered a range of interior themes and customizable lighting, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, catering to different performance needs. The base models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing up to 295 horsepower, while the R/T trim came with a 5.7-litre V8 engine delivering 360 horsepower. The SRT 392 model boasted a 392 HEMI V8 engine with 475 horsepower, and the top-tier SRT Hellcat was equipped with a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, generating an impressive 710 horsepower. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was complemented by its precise steering and powerful brakes, although its chassis showed signs of aging, affecting ride comfort on rough roads.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX featured a single engine option at launch—a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 290 horsepower. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX utilized Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, providing a solid and confident driving experience. The Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller occupants, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatile midsize packaging made it a practical choice for families. The SUV's fit and finish had improved over the years, contributing to its appeal as a reliable family vehicle.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered flexible seating arrangements and ample cargo space. The front row featured dual bucket sport seats, while the second row had a removable centre section and could slide to balance legroom. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's overall seating capacity was ideal for family use. The cargo area provided between 461 and 512 litres of space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding down the seats expanded the cargo capacity significantly, making the MDX a versatile utility vehicle. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and hands-free access, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's technology centred around the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on higher trim levels with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system offered fast performance, user profiles, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Durango also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players, catering to family needs. However, the analog speedometer's design made it challenging to read, and the lack of a head-up display limited navigation usability.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel provided a high-tech interface. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless device charging, and a head-up display were among the MDX's tech highlights. The CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear passengers, and the MDX's software could be updated over the air, ensuring it stayed current with the latest features.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to its rivals. It came standard with a back-up camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a mix of four- and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura MDX, however, excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS. The MDX's advanced safety structure and high-strength steel construction contributed to its top marks. The front end was designed with pedestrian safety in mind, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in urban environments. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.