2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

In 2021, Dodge maintained the muscular and athletic stance of the Durango, a trait consistent since its third-generation debut in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango managed to carve out its own unique design identity. This was especially true for the new 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat model, which flaunted a fresh front end, cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler that added to its aggressive allure.

Buyers had plenty of choices with the Durango, including six different 20-inch wheel designs and one 18-inch option, each linked to various trim levels. The SUV offered 11 exterior colors and six distinct interior color schemes, ensuring a personalized aesthetic for virtually any buyer. Inside, the 2021 model received a new instrument panel and the choice of an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen equipped with FCA’s new Uconnect 5 infotainment system.

Depending on the trim level, the Durango’s interior ranged from standard cloth upholstery to options for leather, suede, Nappa leather, and even Laguna leather. The contrast stitching options and Demonic Red-colored seat belts added a funky twist to the SUV’s otherwise modern, refined cabin. The updated dashboard brought the Durango's interior in line with Dodge's popular Charger and Challenger muscle cars, emphasizing a blend of sportiness and sophistication. This versatile SUV catered to a broad audience, from those looking for an everyday family hauler to buyers interested in a track-ready vehicle with luxurious appointments.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was all about redefining its iconic styling while catering to larger families. This seven-passenger model was based on the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, offering an extended-length version that introduced a third-row seat and more cargo space. The Grand Cherokee L borrowed design cues from the upscale Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, making it a smaller, more accessible version of these luxurious full-size SUVs.

No awkward lines or proportions marred the Grand Cherokee L's exterior. Instantly recognizable with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, the Grand Cherokee L exuded confidence and sophistication across all its trims. Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in six different trims: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with pricing ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The vehicle's impressive design and robust build provided a compelling option for those who valued both style and practicality.

Our test model, the Summit trim, came fully loaded with luxurious features, including metallic paint, Advanced Pro Tech Group, Luxury Tech Group, and a McIntosh premium audio system, pushing the price to $64,770. Despite its high price tag, some interior materials and fittings didn't quite match the expected level of scrutiny, though the quilted and perforated leather and real wood trim succeeded in portraying a premium ambiance. Overall, the redesign represented a substantial improvement from the older Grand Cherokee models.

The 2021 Dodge Durango presented a range of potent engine options. The base engine—a 3.6-liter V6—powered the SXT, GT, and Citadel models, generating 293 horsepower with a single exhaust and 295 horsepower with dual exhaust, along with 260 pound-feet of torque. The Durango R/T was equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivered 360 horsepower and a robust 390 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Durango SRT 392 came with a 392 HEMI V8 engine producing 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The top-tier engine in the lineup was the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that powered the Durango SRT Hellcat, delivering an astounding 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Despite its immense power, the Durango Hellcat remained smooth and controlled, whether maneuvering through city traffic or accelerating on the highway. Its steering was precise, providing excellent driver feedback, although the age of the chassis began to show, especially on rough rural roads or during track sessions where the tech occasionally fought against the vehicle's architecture.

The Durango R/T's optional Tow N Go Package allowed it to tow up to 8,700 pounds. During tests, the R/T managed a trailer carrying a Dodge dragster with stability and composure, aided by the "Tow" drive mode's 50/50 AWD torque distribution. For enthusiasts, SRT models came equipped with SRT Performance Pages, offering detailed performance data and configurable drive modes for a more personalized racing experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD. Buyers could opt for one of three different 4WD systems, which featured fuel-saving front-axle disconnect technology. The V6-powered Grand Cherokee L had an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 21 mpg and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds.

For additional power, Jeep offered an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine available only on Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims with 4WD. This engine generated 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a combined fuel economy of 17 mpg and a higher towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. However, the upgrade was costly at $3,295.

Our V6 and 4WD-equipped test vehicle offered brisk acceleration despite being noisy under heavy throttle. The eight-speed automatic was generally smooth but resisted downshifts in Auto driving mode, likely to improve fuel efficiency. However, our test loop returned a disappointing average of 17.8 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee L featured various drive modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension providing better ride control. In Normal mode, the suspension offered 8.3 inches of ground clearance, while Off-Road settings increased it to 10.9 inches, allowing up to 24 inches of water fording capability. It boasted capable handling on winding roads and a smooth highway ride, though the steering assist felt slightly artificial.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's strength as a family hauler was evident in its spacious and comfortable seating, ample storage, and user-friendly design. It struck a balance between elegance and utility, finding a niche that avoided the bulkiness of larger SUVs like the Nissan Armada and Ford Expedition. The Durango's versatile midsize packaging made it an attractive option for those looking to blend athleticism with family practicality.

With standard five-seat configurations and an option for up to seven seats across three rows, the Durango offered ample space for both front and second-row occupants. The optional third row was more spacious than many rivals, providing a comfortable ride for passengers, even taller ones. Accessing the third row was relatively easy, and Dodge’s 21 seat configuration options ensured enough variety to meet diverse buyer preferences.

In terms of cargo space, the Durango provided about average capacity for its class. While not groundbreaking, the cargo area was functional and met the typical needs of a family SUV.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L emphasized comfort and versatility with its three-row seating arrangement. The Summit trim offered heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a heated steering wheel. It also featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, though we found the dashboard vents insufficient for quickly cooling the cabin in hot weather.

Standard captain’s chairs in the second row provided ample legroom and comfort, along with manual side window sunshades for added protection. Notably, the second-row seats could tip and slide forward without removing child safety seats, making the third row easy to access and sufficiently comfortable for most adults.

Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee L was on par with other midsize three-row SUVs. It offered 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, which expanded to 46.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and a maximum volume of 84.6 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded.

In the technology department, the 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard on the SXT and GT trims, with higher trims offering a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 provided a faster user experience, greater personalization options, and modern features like two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and OTA updates via 4G LTE WiFi.

The Durango's infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touch capabilities. For families, Dodge offered an available rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two high-resolution 9-inch screens, which could be added to various trims.

The gauge cluster had its design quirks, making it difficult to accurately determine speed due to its small size and half-circle shape. Despite the lack of a HUD, the TomTom navigation system was intuitive and easy to use, quickly adjusting to missed turns without annoying recalculations.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, the system included modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

Our test vehicle's 10.1-inch screen integrated well into the dashboard, though some user-experience quirks required acclimation. The new system featured a natural voice-recognition system that worked effectively, albeit with some humorous misinterpretations, like recommending a medical marijuana dispensary when searching for a hospital.

The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, especially for bass enthusiasts, although the logo's aesthetics did not mesh with the interior design. Additional tech features included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a thermal-imaging night vision system, enhancing the overall driving experience. Jeep's Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system allowed drivers to check the status of passengers, a boon for families with young children.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its competitors in terms of standard safety features. It came with a rearview camera as its only standard active safety feature. Additional safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning, was available depending on the trim or package. While these features enhanced safety, many of the Durango’s rivals offered them as standard across most of their lineups.

The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. However, front crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced several new safety features, including Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system that combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering systems. This system made long highway trips more relaxing, although some aspects, like steering assist, felt artificial and overly responsive.

The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models. This system detected threats from either side as the vehicle approached an intersection and could apply the brakes if necessary. Additional safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, steering the vehicle into parking spaces while the driver operated other controls.

Crash-test ratings for the 2021 Grand Cherokee L were unavailable, but the vehicle was expected to improve upon the aging structure and engineering of the previous generation.