In the realm of SUVs, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021 Dodge Durango are two prominent contenders that cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences. While both vehicles have their unique characteristics and charm, they address distinct aspects of the SUV market. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits your lifestyle better.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Dodge Durango: American SUVs Compared
Look and Feel
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old lineage, continues to impress with its timeless design. CarGurus experts rate it a solid 9 out of 10 for aesthetics. This SUV effortlessly blends rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring bold styling with purposeful fender flares and large wheels. The Grand Cherokee's exterior exudes a balanced combination of elegance and robustness, setting it apart from the competition.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee Summit, for instance, offers a premium cabin with high-quality materials such as leather, genuine wood, aluminum, and suede. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat, though slightly snug for taller adults, provides adequate comfort. However, the optional rear-seat entertainment system may make it feel somewhat confined.
The 2021 Dodge Durango maintains its muscular stance and athletic styling, scoring an impressive 8 out of 10 for aesthetics according to CarGurus experts. While its design hasn't seen radical changes since its 2011 debut, the Durango's appearance remains appealing and distinctive.
Inside the Durango, you'll find comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The third row offers reasonable space, making it a practical choice for larger families. Dodge offers a whopping 21 seat options, allowing buyers to customize their interior to suit their preferences.
Cargo space in the Durango is average for its class, providing sufficient room for daily hauling needs. The fit and finish have improved significantly since the vehicle's earlier iterations, reflecting Dodge's commitment to quality.
Performance
The 2021 Grand Cherokee offers a variety of powertrains to cater to different driving preferences. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides a balanced mix of power and efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds.
For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 generates 360 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, and boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. It also adds a satisfying V8 rumble to your drive.
The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and available Quadra-Lift air suspension enhance its off-road capabilities and ride comfort, making it versatile for various terrains.
The 2021 Durango offers an impressive array of engine choices. The base engine is a similar 3.6-liter V6, producing either 293 or 295 horsepower depending on the exhaust configuration, with 260 lb-ft of torque. It is standard in most trims, offering a good balance between power and efficiency.
The Durango R/T also comes with Stellantis' 5.7-liter V8, delivering 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing strong performance.
Moving up the ladder, the Durango SRT 392 houses a 392 Hemi V8, producing an impressive 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it a true performance SUV.
The pinnacle of the Durango lineup is the SRT Hellcat, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that produces a staggering 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, it remains controllable in various driving scenarios.
Form and Function
The Grand Cherokee boasts a luxurious and comfortable interior, with heated and ventilated front seats, premium materials, and advanced technology. However, the rear-seat entertainment system can make the rear cabin feel somewhat cramped.
Cargo space in the 2021 Grand Cherokee measures 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. It's not class-leading but provides ample room for luggage and groceries. The rear seats fold easily and provide practical storage solutions.
The Durango excels as a family hauler, offering spacious seating for up to seven passengers and numerous seating options. The third row is more accommodating than many rivals, making it a great choice for larger families.
Cargo space in the Durango is average for its class, providing 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet behind the second, and 85.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. That should be ample room for everyday needs. Additionally, Dodge has made significant improvements in fit and finish, elevating the overall interior quality.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 7 out of 10 in terms of technology. Despite its outgoing status, the Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system impresses with a nearly flawless user experience. Key highlights include navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a unique Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa integration. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee offers SiriusXM services, including satellite radio, Traffic Plus, Travel Link, and Guardian for remote vehicle access and emergency services. Voice recognition technology also works well, making it user-friendly. Some models even feature a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The 2021 Dodge Durango earns a technology rating of 8 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. It comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen (10.1-inch on higher trims), running the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. This system is significantly faster than its predecessor, offering personalization, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa compatibility, TomTom navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates via a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Dodge also offers a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players for select trim levels.
In terms of infotainment, both vehicles offer advanced technology. The Durango stands out with its larger touchscreen and enhanced features, including wireless smartphone integration.
Safety
CarGurus experts give the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a safety rating of 4 out of 10. While it achieves a five-star overall rating in NHTSA tests, its performance in IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact collisions is subpar, earning it a "Marginal" rating for the driver and a "Poor" rating for the front passenger. The standard headlights also receive a "Poor" rating unless you opt for the high-intensity discharge headlights with automatic high-beam assist. However, the Grand Cherokee offers a robust suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also includes parking assistance features.
The 2021 Dodge Durango receives a safety rating of 7 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. While IIHS crash-test ratings are not yet available, NHTSA awards it with a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating. The Durango offers several optional active safety features, 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. However, some competitors include these features as standard across their lineup.
In terms of safety, the Durango offers more available features and a higher potential for better IIHS ratings.
Cost Effectiveness
The Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a cost-effectiveness rating of 8 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. Jeep offers a customer care program called Jeep Wave, providing free scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles for both lease and purchase customers. Additionally, regular rebates and incentives, such as up to $3,750 in Southern California, enhance its value proposition. The Grand Cherokee's rugged image and diverse trim options make it appealing to a broad range of buyers.
The 2021 Dodge Durango is also rated 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness by CarGurus experts. It starts at a competitive price in the low $30,000s but can climb toward $50,000 for higher trim levels. The performance-oriented SRT models, while pricey, offer unique features not easily found in rivals without breaking the bank. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option with good fuel efficiency, alternatives like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride may be more appealing.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Dodge Durango scores 8 out of 10.
Choose a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee if:
- You prioritize a well-established brand with a rugged image and diverse trim options.
- Jeep Wave's customer care program and regular incentives appeal to you.
- You are content with advanced technology but are willing to sacrifice some safety features for the brand's authenticity.
Search for a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on CarGurus
Choose a 2021 Dodge Durango if:
- You're looking for an SUV with a competitive starting price that can accommodate a wide range of budgets.
- The performance-oriented SRT models with unique features interest you.
- You value advanced technology and safety features but are open to optional upgrades to get the most out of your vehicle.
Search for a 2021 Dodge Durango on CarGurus
In conclusion, both the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2021 Dodge Durango have their strengths and unique offerings. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and preferences in terms of technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
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