2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance 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 upholstery to luxurious leather options, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours adding a funky touch.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, staying true to its roots with a construction akin to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's design was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a straightforward dash layout. The Canadian models included Trail and SR5 trims, with various TRD and Limited packages offering different features. Standard equipment included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Trail model added unique wheels, a cargo basket, and all-weather floor mats. The 4Runner's design prioritized function, making it a niche choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-litre V6 to a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 in the R/T model delivered 360 hp. The SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 hp, and the SRT Hellcat's supercharged engine reached an impressive 710 hp. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was robust, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its chassis showed its age on rough roads. The SRT models featured performance pages for track enthusiasts, and the R/T's Tow N Go Package offered a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided reliable performance but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh on paved roads, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain with ease. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, suitable for light towing needs.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers 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, but its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, contributing to its appeal as a versatile family SUV.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with slightly less space in the three-row model. The third-row seat, available only in the Limited package, increased seating capacity to seven. While the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, its power-operated rear window was a convenient feature. The cabin design was not as efficient as newer SUVs, but it provided adequate space for gear and passengers.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher models, both running the Uconnect 5 system. This system offered fast performance, personalization options, and connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have enhanced its usability.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by hard buttons and dials for easy operation. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was basic compared to more advanced options, it suited the 4Runner's analog driving style. A head-up display would have been a welcome addition for off-road driving.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a standard back-up camera and optional active safety features like 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-test rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner came with a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.