2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its age, the Durango's design was refreshed for the 2021 model year, particularly evident in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, with the interior boasting six different colour schemes. The cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Durango's interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, providing a modern and customizable experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and unique exterior styling. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen to more luxurious options like a panoramic moonroof and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The Highlander's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and spacious seating, especially in the second row.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model offered 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 an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Durango's handling was competent, though its chassis showed its age, particularly on rough roads or the track. The SRT models featured advanced performance pages and configurable drive modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Highlander offered a smooth and composed ride, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. The Highlander's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a maximum payload of 775 kilograms. The drive-mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, while the AWD system offered Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes for varying conditions.

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 for taller occupants, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatility and improved fit and finish made it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second and third rows folded. With all seats in use, the Highlander provided 453 litres of cargo space. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and spacious seating, particularly in the second row. The XSE trim's second-row captain's chairs added convenience and comfort, while the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with higher trims offering a 10.1-inch screen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. This system was significantly faster than its predecessor and offered 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 capabilities. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clarity and responsiveness, though a head-up display would have enhanced usability.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. A larger 12.3-inch screen was available, along with a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The XSE trim featured a wireless charging pad and a combination of USB and USB-C ports.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to its rivals, 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 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. All trims featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety features available on higher trims. The Highlander's lane-departure and lane-keeping systems were active, sometimes overly so. The IIHS rated the Highlander as a Top Safety Pick+.