2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its design roots tracing back to a 2011 overhaul. Its connection to the Charger muscle sedan was evident, though the platform felt dated. The cabin design was straightforward but lacked the updates seen in its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, making it feel in need of a refresh. The 2021 model promised more aggressive styling and a reworked cabin, appealing to those who found the 2020 version too stale.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Despite its luxury branding, the NX shared a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it feel a step behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model added sporty elements like a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, but the interior design, once radical, now felt familiar and somewhat dated. Material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury, with plastic switchgear and trim.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp, while the SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 475 hp. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The SRT stood out with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive handling for its size.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The hybrid struggled with acceleration, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided ample cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. It offered comfortable seating in the front and second rows, though the third row was best for children. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had less cargo space, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Front seats were comfortable, but rear legroom was cramped. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, though exterior mirrors helped. The dashboard design was sporty, with controls easy to reach, but it might not appeal to those seeking a traditional SUV feel.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. The SXT and GT trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8.4-inch screen with navigation and premium audio options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing connectivity.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the base system was underwhelming.

The 2020 Dodge Durango included standard airbags, stability control, and optional driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It received a four-star NHTSA rating and a "Moderate" score in IIHS small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.