2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango received updates for 2021, particularly in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model. This version featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, with a cabin that boasted a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior ranged from cloth to premium leather upholstery, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, providing a modern and customizable experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more understated, blending in with other compact crossovers. While its exterior styling was not its main selling point, the CR-V offered subtle distinctions like its grille and chrome accents. Available in seven colours, the CR-V's palette leaned heavily towards neutral tones. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and options for wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. Despite its less distinctive appearance, the CR-V focused on practicality and comfort, offering a spacious interior and a variety of trim levels to suit different preferences.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower, and moving up to the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, delivering an impressive 710 horsepower. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was robust, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering, although its chassis showed its age, particularly on rough roads. The SRT models included performance features like SRT Performance Pages and configurable drive modes, enhancing the driving experience for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the CR-V offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 8 seconds. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. The CR-V's handling was predictable and comfortable, with a suspension setup common in its class. AWD was available as an option, providing additional traction for those who needed it.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. Its spacious interior accommodated taller passengers comfortably, with a third row that was more accessible than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatile design made it a practical choice for families. Dodge's improvements in fit and finish were evident, contributing to its reputation for quality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with a focus on maximizing interior space. It offered over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with a total cargo capacity of 1,065 litres with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with power and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers, making it a strong contender for families seeking space and convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch version available on higher trims, both running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system offered faster performance, personalization options, and connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also provided a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. However, the analog speedometer's design made it challenging to read at a glance, and the lack of a head-up display was a missed opportunity.

In the 2021 Honda CR-V, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured enhanced audio systems, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation. The CR-V's interior was equipped with multiple charging ports, ensuring devices stayed powered on the go. While the base LX trim lacked some features, the CR-V's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its competitors in safety features, with only a back-up camera as standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but these were not standard across all trims. The Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star side crash-test rating from the NHTSA but a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Honda's commitment to safety was evident in its standard Honda Sensing suite, which included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's comprehensive safety package was a significant advantage, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.