2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling from its third generation debut in 2011, maintaining a muscular stance and athletic design that aligned with its Dodge family counterparts, the Charger and Challenger. 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 a choice of 11 exterior colours, with six interior colour schemes. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior offered a range of upholstery options, from cloth to premium leather, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours adding a funky touch.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, boasted an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of derivative styling. Its distinctive lines, prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches added visual interest, while a continuous strip of glass created a floating roof effect. The Palisade's interior was equally polished, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials throughout. The second row offered either a bench or captain's chairs, with ample space in the third row for adults on short rides. The Palisade's fit and finish approached near-luxury levels, with the Ultimate Calligraphy model standing out in Steel Graphite paint and a black interior.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with AWD standard in Canada. The V6 engine produced 293 to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced a staggering 710 hp. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package enabled towing up to 8,700 pounds, with stable handling and a 50/50 AWD torque distribution.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Despite not being the most fuel-efficient, the engine provided a satisfying baritone rumble and quick acceleration. The Palisade's curb weight ranged from 1,991 to 2,004 kilograms, and it handled well with its four-wheel independent suspension. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, offering a balance of power and practicality.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, standing out from earlier Dodge models.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a versatile cabin with comfortable seating in all three rows. The third row was easily accessible, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom. The Palisade's cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, a dual-panel sunroof on higher trims, and a range of standard and optional luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, running the Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering connected services, navigation, and wireless smartphone connectivity. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and SRT models received unique appearance features. However, the analog speedometer was difficult to read, and a head-up display was not available.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a premium audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. The Ultimate Calligraphy model featured a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system. The digital instrument cluster on higher trims integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind competitors in safety, with a standard back-up camera and federally mandated passive safety features. Optional active 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 gave it a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with a comprehensive list of standard and available features. Passive safety included seven airbags and various reinforcements, while active safety features encompassed anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance technologies. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.