2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look, aligning more with Dodge's muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw revisions, especially in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a redesigned front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango boasted a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The cabin's materials ranged from cloth to various types of leather, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors adding a funky flavor.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey lineup included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior design was open-concept, with a low console between the front seats and ample storage space. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 engine produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 in the Durango SRT 392 generated 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the Durango SRT Hellcat produced 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango R/T with the Tow N Go Package had a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, and the SRT models offered SRT Performance Pages for track days.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive minivan had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, responsive handling, and remarkable composure on mountain roads. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades caused pedal vibration and an audible grumble. The Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg during a test drive in Southern California. The adaptive cruise control and Honda Sensing technologies operated well, but the brakes needed improvement for better resistance to heating up on mountain grades.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for five in two rows, with an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. The Durango had 21 seat options and average cargo space for its class. Dodge's improved fit and finish were evident, making the Durango a versatile and athletic family SUV.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey's storage space was impressive, with numerous places to stash items. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Uconnect 5 system was five times faster than its predecessor and offered user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The family entertainment system included a Blu-ray and DVD player with two 9-inch screens. The gauge cluster had a half-circle shape, making it difficult to read the exact speed. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly and responsive.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, but its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey had an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services. CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology were available on the Touring and Elite trims, along with a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. The Odyssey's infotainment system needed a larger screen and a tuning knob for the stereo. The embedded navigation system required specific voice commands and was better replaced by Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2021 Dodge Durango fell short in safety compared to its rivals. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included 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. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but IIHS ratings were not available.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was better equipped for safety, with Honda Sensing standard on all trims. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the EX trim and higher. Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.