2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more luxurious than its price suggested. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch to the Palisade's exterior. Inside, the quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and suede headliner contributed to a cabin that felt more upscale compared to other midsize three-row SUVs. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but it undeniably exuded a sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with the Dodge family of vehicles. The 2021 model year introduced a revised design, particularly evident 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 exterior colours, allowing for personalization. Inside, the Durango's cabin received updates, including a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with up to 295 horsepower, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower, a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with 710 horsepower in the SRT Hellcat model. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially in the SRT models, but its chassis showed its age, affecting ride quality. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package offered a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, with stable handling and a "Tow" drive mode for improved performance.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and slid for easy access to the third row, which was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, although it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered seating for up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many competitors, with easy access. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, providing practical functionality. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, enhancing the overall quality of the interior. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a versatile family hauler with an athletic design.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system on higher trims. The Uconnect 5 system offered faster performance, user profiles, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango's rear-seat entertainment system included Blu-ray and DVD players with two 9-inch screens. The TomTom navigation system provided clear graphics and quick responses, although a head-up display was not available.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring excellent protection in an accident.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind in safety features, offering only a back-up camera as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash rating from the NHTSA, highlighting areas for improvement.