2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The 2021 model year saw revisions, particularly in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours. Inside, the cabin boasted a new instrument panel and a choice of two touchscreen sizes, with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhancing the driving experience. The Durango's design and features catered to a wide range of preferences, offering both track-ready equipment and fine appointments.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a comfortable ride and athletic handling. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options, ranging from a 3.6-litre V6 to a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the V8 engines delivered significantly more power, with the SRT Hellcat's engine reaching 710 horsepower. The Durango's AWD system provided stability, and the SUV excelled in both city and highway driving. However, the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango's braking system, particularly in the Hellcat model, was robust, even under track conditions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, but storage was abundant, with a large centre console and hidden compartments. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,092 litres available with seats folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, seating up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row offered more room than many competitors. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly. The SUV's midsize packaging made it versatile and easy to drive, appealing to families seeking both comfort and style.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked some user-friendly features, such as a tuning knob. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 system, available on higher trims, was a standout feature. It offered faster performance, user profiles, and wireless connectivity. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, enhancing the family-friendly appeal. The TomTom navigation system was particularly impressive, providing clear and accurate directions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system was not the most refined. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, except for a few areas.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind in safety features, offering only a back-up camera as standard. Additional safety features were available depending on the trim or package. The Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star side crash rating from the NHTSA but lower scores from the IIHS for frontal impacts.