Starting at
Starting at
9-Speed Automatic | Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
8 | Seating Capacity | 7 |
98.2 | Max Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) | 85.1 |
In the battle of mid-size crossover SUVs, you couldn't find two more dissimilar and yet comparably competitive SUVs than the 2021 Chevy Traverse vs 2021 Dodge Durango. While both fulfill the role of being large crossovers designed for multiple passengers, great at towing, and perfect for cargo and comfort, they achieve these results in dynamically different ways and for decidedly different purposes. If you had been mulling over the prospect of purchasing the rugged 2021 Dodge Durango or the feature-rich 2021 Chevy Traverse, this comparison guide will give you a brief rundown of what each full-size crossover SUV features. Get ready to learn what you can expect for cargo space, technology, and interior amenities.
When it comes to sports cars and pickup trucks, performance is king. It's necessary to gauge horsepower, torque, and driveline capabilities due to the tasks that they are designed to tackle. However, midsize SUVs have a very different set of responsibilities, and performance means something different than the aforementioned vehicles. For instance, instead of being concerned with how quickly an SUV might hit 0 to 60 or its top speed on the quarter-mile, a more important quality is how much interior space it provides in the cabin and how much cargo volume you have to work with.
In the case of the 2021 Dodge Durango, it seats up to five people with the standard SXT and SXT Plus trims, which isn't any more than a typical full-size sedan. The Citadel, SRT, and SRT Hellcat manage to bring the seating capacity up to six, while the GT, GT Plus, and RT trims offer space for up to seven people, but it's a tight fit.
Essentially, of the eight trim variations, only three offer third-row seating for up to seven people. As far as space is concerned, the base interior cargo volume for the 2021 Dodge Durango hovers at 43.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and with the rear seats folded, you have a maximum of 85.1 cubic feet of space to make use of in the Durango's cabin. Cargo space shrinks significantly for the third-row configuration, where you have access to only 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats.
Suffice to say, the 2021 Chevy Traverse goes above and beyond when it comes to interior capacity. The Traverse offers seating configurations for anywhere between seven and eight people, with a standard 2-3-3 configuration for the first, second, and third-row seats. The Traverse provides 60/40-split bench seats, with 23.0 cubic feet of space behind the third-row, while the volume behind the second-row seats measures in at 57.8 cubic feet. The 2021 Chevy Traverse really excels when you measure the cargo volume from the front row to the rear tailgate, which comes up to an impressive 98.2 cubic feet of space.
This volume is available with second and third-row folding seats, and you can occupy the space any way you see fit, whether you have the Traverse configured with seven or eight-passenger seating. In short, the 2021 Chevy Traverse offers far more room, a lot more cargo volume, and plenty of seating across the full lineup for those who want a crossover SUV that delivers on both style and space.
Interior cargo space is just one aspect of what makes the inside of an SUV attractive to potential buyers. It's not just about how much room you have to store items and people; it's also about how comfortable the interior is, how functional the amenities are, and whether or not it provides the kind of features that make it fun to ride in as much as it is to drive.
The 2021 Chevy Traverse is outfitted with a bevy of great comfort features and amenities, from umbrella holders and USB ports for all three rows to steering-wheel-mounted phone and audio controls. There are a lot of cool features available in the Traverse. If we take a step back and start with the basics, you have available an 8-way power driver seat and 6-way power passenger seat with 2-way adjustable front and rear headrests along with power lumbar support. Heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats are available, along with rear heated outboard seats.
Carpeted floor coverings, floor mats, and illuminated mirrors all come standard in the Traverse, along with a front center console with storage, cup holders, and a large removable tray. There's even a hidden storage compartment under the rear cargo floor to store additional items. Tri-zone automatic climate control and a theft-deterrent system also come standard across all trims.
The 2021 Dodge Durango is outfitted with many similar features, including 8-way power driver and passenger seats with power lumbar support; ventilated and heated seats are also included in the feature list. Like the Traverse, illuminated mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, and a security system all come standard. Unfortunately, the 2021 Dodge Durango is missing some features that are available in the Traverse. For instance, the Durango comes with automatic dual-zone climate control, whereas you get automatic tri-zone climate control with the Traverse.
Technology is a huge factor that not only affects how well the vehicle behaves on the road but also the vehicle's safety and comfort. In the case of the 2021 Chevy Traverse vs 2021 Dodge Durango, both crossover SUVs come fully equipped with a litany of expected technology.
In the case of the Dodge Durango, you can make use of the typical selection of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and satellite radio, voice-activated audio controls, Bluetooth support, and an available navigation system with voice recognition for turn-by-turn GPS navigation. The central touchscreen is reasonably large, and you also have the option of two additional LCD monitors for those sitting in the second row. Electronic stability and traction control come standard, and there are a number of optional safety and driver-assist features such as front and rear parking sensors.
The 2021 Chevy Traverse takes its technological advancements very seriously, with features like active noise cancellation. The Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 suite comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio streaming for multiple smart devices, voice command pass-through for phones, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can utilize, manage, and stream media and apps from your smartphones through the Chevy Traverse with ease, and the standard 4G WiFi hotspot gives you internet connectivity wherever you go.
The Chevy Safety Assist suite is available, which comes with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, and Kane Keep Assist. With the extra availability of features such as HD Surround Vision, Rear Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Zone Alert, the 2021 Chevy Traverse is no slouch when it comes to safety and technology. That's not to mention that OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services are standard on the Traverse, ensuring that you're never outside the reach of emergency services and navigational aid.
In either case, you are guaranteed a quality, safe, and secure ride with either the 2021 Dodge Durango or the 2021 Chevy Traverse. However, if you want the extra interior space, standard features like Teen Driver, and additional comfort amenities, then the choice becomes much easier. In the 2021 Chevy Traverse vs 2021 Dodge Durango debate, the 2021 Chevy Traverse clearly comes out on top.