2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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 variant. This model 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 modernized with a new instrument panel and an updated Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on larger touchscreens. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, adding a touch of flair.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more subtle and refined exterior, especially in its base GLS 450 form. It avoided the flashy chrome and gaudy grilles seen in some competitors, offering a sophisticated look. However, buyers seeking more visual drama could opt for the AMG GLS 63 or Maybach versions, which featured distinctive styling elements like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS offered a luxurious experience with options for reclining rear seats and performance-oriented interiors in the AMG model. The standard digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-tech feel. While the GLS's interior was generally luxurious, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen's reach and the centre console's grab handles.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8, standard in the R/T model, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 variant boasted a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, generating a staggering 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat was manageable in various driving conditions, with smooth acceleration and precise steering. However, the Durango's chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Hellcat's Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power, even during track use. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for impressive towing capabilities, with a capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's engine provided sufficient power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS lineup also included models with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, offering up to 603 hp in the AMG version. All GLS models came with standard 4Matic AWD. While the GLS 450's engine was smooth and powerful, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450's towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some competitors.

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 spacious front and second-row seats. The third row, standard in Canada, provided more room than many competitors, making it accessible and practical. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, earning awards for initial vehicle quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, offering excellent legroom. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. While cargo space was slightly less than some larger competitors, the GLS made loading and unloading easy with power-folding seats and a power tailgate. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen's reach and the centre console's grab handles.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims, running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering features like user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. However, the analog speedometer's design made it challenging to read exact speeds, and a head-up display was not available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was particularly effective. However, the touchpad controller was cumbersome to use. The GLS also included an augmented-reality navigation feature, although the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a standard back-up camera and federally mandated passive safety features. Optional 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 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems were optional. The GLS's Pre Safe system prepared the vehicle for a potential collision by tightening seat belts and closing windows. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.