2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour and a charging port in place of the fuel filler. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The 2021 model year saw revisions, particularly in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which boasted a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours and six interior schemes. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. The interior became more premium with higher trims, offering leather and suede upholstery options, contrast stitching, and unique seat belt colours, enhancing its appeal as a versatile family SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving, offering a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with AWD standard in Canada. The V6 engine produced up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the SRT Hellcat model produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,700 pounds, and offered track-ready performance with SRT Performance Pages. However, its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. The XC40 made up for this with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad as an option.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango offered average cargo space for its class, with a focus on functionality. Its fit and finish had improved significantly, contributing to its appeal as a versatile family SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a user-friendly interface. The Recharge model lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured the new Uconnect 5 system, five times faster than its predecessor, with user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was available on a 10.1-inch touchscreen in higher trims, offering clear graphics and responsive touch. A rear-seat family entertainment system was available, with Blu-ray and DVD players and two 9-inch screens. The TomTom navigation system was praised for its clarity and responsiveness.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind in safety, offering a back-up camera as its only standard active safety feature. 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 five-star side crash rating from the NHTSA.