2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. The interior of the Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered a two-tone look with soft leather, but some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The dashboard was dominated by an asymmetrical element housing the infotainment and climate controls, and while the controls were sensibly laid out, the mix of illumination and graphics at night gave the gauges a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, which had been a hallmark since its third generation debuted in 2011. The Durango's design was revised for 2021, especially evident in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colours, allowing for personalization. Inside, the Durango's cabin featured a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belts. The updates to the dashboard gave the Durango a modern appearance, aligning it with Dodge's muscle car lineup.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. The new engine delivered a total output of 243 horsepower and was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While the hybrid system provided adequate power for climbing hills and reaching freeway speeds, it sounded strained during hard acceleration or on inclines. The steering was lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement, especially on uneven roads. However, the regenerative brakes operated smoothly, and the SUV offered a comfortable and quiet ride on flat terrain.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6, 5.7-litre HEMI V8, 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 engine produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat model produced an impressive 710 hp. The Durango's steering was precise, and the SUV handled well on the road, though the chassis showed its age. The Durango's suspension allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin, but the SUV's braking system, especially in the Hellcat model, provided ample stopping power. The Durango also offered a Tow N Go Package, enhancing its towing capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres, but the storage design had some limitations, such as the placement of the wireless smartphone charger.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, accommodating taller passengers, while the third row provided more space than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and the SUV's fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a versatile option for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy navigation. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more customizable than its predecessor. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and TomTom navigation. The larger 10.1-inch touchscreen was available on higher trims, providing clear graphics and responsive touch controls. The Durango also offered a rear-seat family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The system also offered intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to its rivals. While it came with a standard back-up camera, additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. The Durango received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash rating from the NHTSA.