2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Dodge Durango: Which Mid-size SUV is Better?
Not all midsize SUVs are made the same, they each have different qualities and features that differentiate one from the other. In the midsize SUV category, consumers often have specific requirements on their shopping list when they are looking for their new SUV, this can include seating space, ride comfort, technology features, and vehicle performance, just to name a few. Two mid-size SUVs that have recently been getting attention are the Dodge Durango and the Toyota 4Runner, and for 2021, they have stepped up their offerings to be more attractive to consumers. But the big question is, which one is better? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each and which one is worth the investment?
The Competitive Mid-size SUV Segment
Mid-size SUVs are in the right space, they are not too big like their full-size SUV counterparts, and they’re not too small like their little brothers in the compact SUV segment and so the competitiveness in this middle ground can be brutal if automakers don’t position their mid-size SUV offerings correctly. The 2021 Dodge Durango and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner are in the same vehicle category but are on different terms regarding their utility and performance, the Dodge Durango brings muscle car flavor while the Toyota 4runner has amazing off-road utility.
2021 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is known for being the muscle car of the SUV world. Most of its competitors offer a four-cylinder as standard and offer a V6 engine as an option, but the Dodge Durango starts with a V6 as a base offering with the option for buyers to upgrade to the legendary Hemi V8 engine that will reward drivers with quick acceleration. The Durango has an optional third seating arrangement which costs extra, but the whole family can sit comfortably while on the road. It’s also highly capable of towing small to medium-sized cargo weighing up to 8,700 pounds with its V8 engine.
For 2021, the Durango receives a new set of headlights, a refreshed front grille, an updated rear spoiler, and new adjustments to the front fascia. For the interior, the dashboard and controls have become more driver-oriented and are angled slightly more toward the driver’s seat. For the prospective buyer that values technology in their ride, there is a brand new 10-inch display that runs the latest version of Uconnect and will have access to a wide assortment of entertainment features and driver-assist features.
2021 Toyota 4Runner
For Toyota, the 4Runner SUV is their off-road offering that is known for its ruggedness, its sturdy body, and can demonstrate its capability in rough terrain. The 4Runner leans more toward the outdoorsman or adventure seeker, but one of its major setbacks is its V6 engine that is not particularly fuel-efficient and its interior quality suffers from the use of cheap materials. But the 4Runner has ample cargo space and it can also be equipped for a third-row seating arrangement but at the lower trims. Potential buyers will find the driving quality of the 4Runner to be clumsy on standard roads due to its tires that are designed more for off-road environments than standard pavement, but potential buyers will be inclined to its off-road potential over everyday driving.
Comparison and Specifications
Both Dodge and Toyota are respectable brands that each try to dominate their own niche of mid-size SUV and to compare the very best of each, we have compared their top trims.
| Specifications | 2021 Dodge Durango (SRT Hellcat) | 2021 Toyota 4Runner (TRD Pro) |
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2 L HEMIⓇ V8 | 4.0 L DOHC 24-Valve V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Performance | 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque | 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque |
| Starting MSRP | $80,995 | $50,570 |
| Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| 0-60 Time (mph) | 3.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 passengers | Up to 5 passengers |
| Design Factor | Muscle Car Performance | Versatile Off-Roading |
| Positive Highlight | Best-in-class towing capacity and quick acceleration | Great off-road performer, has amply cargo space, and standard driver assistance features |
| The Negatives | Not fuel efficient, need to pay extra for third-row seats | Poor road handling, sub-par interior material quality, not fuel-efficient, no third-row seats |
Exterior Styling and Value
According to J.D. Power, one of the main reasons people buy the vehicle they drive is because of its style, but also because of budget, as a budget can set a range of affordable options for the buyer such which often includes a vehicle’s price and monthly payment. When considering a 2021 Dodge Durango or a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, it will depend on the needs and personal tastes of the buyer. If off-road capability is on the list, then the 4Runner will be the better choice, on the other hand, if muscle car performance is something a potential buyer would want, the Durango is the best option out of the two.
The Reliability Factor is Important
Vehicle reliability is perhaps one of the most sought-after qualities in a car for everyday driving and long-term ownership. Prospective buyers looking for reliability between the Durango and 4Runner will need to consider the mechanical performance of the vehicle as well as the required maintenance each vehicle will require.
Which One Should You Buy?
Both mid-size SUVs have different characteristics that make both of them great performers in their own respective way, and even though both offer very different driving styles, exterior styling, and utility, both are nonetheless great offerings in the mid-size SUV segment despite some of their drawbacks. For more information on the new 2021 Dodge Durango, contact us at Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a test drive or a walk-through of our Durango inventory. You can also check our website for amazing deals on pre-owned and outgoing models.
Image Source(s): Motortrend.com, Moparinsiders.com