2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Buick Enclave

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, with six interior colour schemes. Inside, the cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and a choice of touchscreens running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belts, giving the SUV a modern and customizable feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet upscale design. Over the years, Buick shifted from sedans to a full SUV lineup, with the Enclave sitting at the top. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with new exterior styling, including a redesigned grille and fascias. The Avenir trim featured unique design elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled centre console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a split sunroof available for added luxury.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre V8 with 360 hp, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 delivering 475 hp. The pinnacle was the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, generating an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat was manageable in city traffic and excelled on highways. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Hellcat's Brembo brakes provided strong stopping power, and the Tow N Go Package allowed for towing up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept things simple with a single powertrain: a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Enclave's AWD system was standard in Canada, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Enclave excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its premium ride suspension and QuietTuning technology. The V6 engine offered responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. The Enclave's cabin remained serene, even at higher speeds, and its handling was commendable for a vehicle of its size.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler with seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, while the third row offered more room than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. The SUV's midsize packaging made it easy to drive and park, appealing to families seeking a balance between size and agility.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility and comfortable seating. The Enclave's cabin was roomy, accommodating six adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row via second-row captain's chairs. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,758 litres available when both rear rows were folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience, making the Enclave a practical choice for families needing space and flexibility.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch screen with the Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display was notably absent.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Enclave also featured a range of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind competitors in safety features, with only a back-up camera as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for driver-side 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 2022 Buick Enclave improved its safety offerings with the standard Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning. Premium trims added features like enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The NHTSA awarded the Enclave a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good in most crash tests, with an Acceptable score for the updated side-impact test.