2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 updated with a new instrument panel and a choice of touchscreen sizes, running the advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system. 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 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90's body appeared poised and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish roots, while the interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" luxury with natural wood and metal trim. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its leather-free options, although Nappa leather remained available for those desiring ventilated seats. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with a focus on comfort and quality, making it a true luxury SUV.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 in the R/T model delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft, while the SRT 392's 392 HEMI V8 boasted 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. 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 Durango remained manageable in city traffic and excelled on highways. The SUV's steering was precise, but its aging chassis showed limitations on rough roads and tracks. The Durango's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds, supported by the Tow N Go Package, which enhanced stability and control.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, starting with the T5's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 variant added supercharging, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The XC90's AWD system was standard, and its eight-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts. The Recharge model's electric motor provided instant torque, enhancing acceleration and eliminating turbo lag. The XC90's handling was impressive for its size, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model offering an EV range of up to 58 kilometres.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering 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 accommodating than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatile design made it a practical choice for families. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, enhancing the overall quality of the SUV.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 1,855 litres of space available with the second and third rows folded. The SUV's towing capacity reached 2,250 kilograms, making it suitable for light towing needs. The XC90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed admirably, providing a comfortable environment even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch screen with the Uconnect 5 system. This system was significantly faster than its predecessor, offering personalization options, connected services, and wireless smartphone integration. The rear-seat entertainment system was available on select models, providing entertainment for passengers. The Durango's navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have improved its functionality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, the system occasionally experienced glitches, but Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The XC90's digital instrument panel and available head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The Advanced package added features like a 360-degree camera and advanced air cleaner. The Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports ensured a connected and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind competitors in safety features, with only a back-up camera as standard. 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 awarded it a five-star side crash rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, affirming its status as a top performer in safety.