2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

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 received updates for 2021, 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 came in 11 exterior colours with six interior schemes. Inside, the 2021 model introduced a modernized instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belts, providing a blend of functionality and style.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of design, drawing inspiration from its predecessors while incorporating modern elements. The front showcased a fresh take on Nissan's V-motion grille, flanked by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights. The Pathfinder's side panels and hood gave it a robust appearance, aligning with contemporary SUV trends. The vehicle was slightly wider and taller than its predecessor, offering more legroom and a planted look on the road. Available in four trim levels, the Pathfinder featured body-colour door handles, chrome accents, and privacy glass. The interior was designed for flexibility, with standard eight-passenger seating and options for captain's chairs. The Pathfinder's cabin was upscale, with semi-aniline leather seats in higher trims, and offered a range of features to enhance comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. These engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with AWD standard in Canada. The V6 engine produced up 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 V8 in the SRT Hellcat boasted 710 hp. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering. However, its chassis showed its age, affecting ride quality on rough roads. The Durango's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds, and the SRT models featured performance pages for track enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. The Pathfinder offered standard AWD in Canada, with hill descent control and seven drive modes. The suspension provided a stable ride, and the steering was well-suited for a family SUV. The Pathfinder's towing capacity was 6,000 pounds, with standard trailer sway control. The transmission occasionally struggled at speed, but overall, the Pathfinder delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. 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, but 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 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. The cabin was designed to reduce road noise, with improved insulation and acoustic glass. The Pathfinder offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and additional hip room for third-row passengers. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide system made accessing the third row easy, even with car seats installed. The Pathfinder's cargo space was generous, with 470 litres behind the third row and up to 2,421 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured thoughtful innovations, such as a removable second-row centre console and ample storage space.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with 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 integration. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The instrument cluster had a unique design, but the speedometer's readability was a concern. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have enhanced its functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a wealth of technology, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone integration, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims featured a 9-inch screen, wireless charging, and a Bose audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum offered a fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display. The technology was designed to be user-friendly, providing drivers with essential features without overwhelming complexity.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to its rivals. It came standard with a back-up camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a Marginal score from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a five-star side crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of safety features with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.