2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Dodge Durango

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 a cabin that boasted a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior ranged from cloth to luxurious leather upholstery, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours adding a touch of flair.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame with the standard Wagoneer, presenting a traditional SUV design with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, and grille featuring laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer’s interior was a step above, offering 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, although front space was slightly limited. The Grand Wagoneer also featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and substantial cargo space, though slightly less than some rivals when all seats were folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-litre V6 to a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, delivering up to 710 horsepower in the SRT Hellcat model. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango excelled in both city and highway driving, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering. However, its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango’s towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds, supported by the Tow N Go Package, which provided stability and control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Grand Wagoneer’s Quadra-Lift air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability and highway efficiency. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace, as its size and weight made it feel ungainly at higher speeds. It offered impressive off-road potential, though its size limited its trail capabilities.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven and a spacious third row. Its midsize design provided a balance between comfort and practicality, with ample cargo space and improved fit and finish. The Durango’s interior was versatile, with various seating configurations and entertainment options, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven or eight passengers, with generous third-row headroom and second-row legroom. It offered substantial cargo space, though slightly less than some competitors when fully configured. The Grand Wagoneer’s towing capacity was 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on higher trims with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This system offered faster processing, personalization options, and wireless connectivity. The Durango also provided a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. However, the analog speedometer was difficult to read, and a HUD was notably absent.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless connectivity and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Grand Wagoneer’s Uconnect 5 system featured an Android-based OS and OTA updates, though the screen response was occasionally slow. A head-up display was included, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered limited standard safety features, with a back-up camera as the only active feature. Optional safety enhancements included adaptive cruise control 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 rating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as a 360-degree camera, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. An Active Lane Management System was available, with plans for a hands-free version.