2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings, despite its exterior design remaining largely unchanged since 2011. The 2021 model year introduced a revised look, particularly evident 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 a choice of 11 exterior colours, with the interior boasting a modernized instrument panel and the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The cabin's materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, providing a sophisticated and customizable interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating a circular illusion around the vehicle. The GV70's design included unique elements like a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, emphasizing its sporty intent. The SUV offered six grades, with a choice between a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. Genesis provided a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for extensive personalization. The cabin incorporated an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and ambient lighting options, creating a luxurious and driver-focused environment.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, including a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 engine, standard in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre V8 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, generating an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Durango's chassis showed its age, with a suspension that allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin. The SUV's steering was precise, and its braking system, particularly in the Hellcat, was robust. The Durango R/T offered a Tow N Go Package, enhancing its towing capacity to 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The latter, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, was designed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70's all-wheel-drive system prioritized the rear axle, transferring torque to the front wheels as needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing for dynamic torque distribution. The GV70 featured multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance, though Sport mode was deemed the most balanced. Its electronically controlled suspension system provided a smooth ride while maintaining road feedback. The GV70's turning radius was notably tight, aiding maneuverability in urban settings.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating and ample storage space. It accommodated up to seven passengers across three rows, with the third row providing more space than many competitors. The Durango's cargo area was average for its class, and its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. The SUV's midsize packaging made it versatile and easy to drive, appealing to families seeking a balance between functionality and style.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with its ergonomic interior design. The centre console separated the driver from the front passenger, featuring intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled via a raised dial, and climate controls were streamlined under a single pane. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with options for ventilated seats and heated rear seats. The GV70 offered generous cargo space, with 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The interior's functionality and ergonomics were praised, though second-row storage was limited.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims, both running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering connected services, navigation, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The instrument cluster's design made speed reading challenging, but the TomTom navigation system was user-friendly and responsive.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, including a standard 14.5-inch infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics. The system supported split-screen functionality and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. The GV70 also offered a premium Lexicon audio system and multiple USB ports for connectivity.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind competitors in safety features, offering only a standard back-up camera and federally mandated passive safety features. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA awarded it a five-star side crash rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance. It introduced a radar-based rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, which provided lane centring and automatic lane changing. While official safety ratings were not yet available, the GV70's advanced safety systems were highly regarded.