2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$38,495 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable divergence between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2025 Subaru Ascent is power output, with the Durango achieving 295 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, a 35 hp advantage. However, the Ascent offers superior fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined, leveraging slightly better City/Highway ratings of 20/26 MPG. Priced initially lower at $38,495 versus $39,995, the Durango secures a price lead despite being 4.0 inches longer at 200.8 inches. While the Ascent provides marginally more storage volume at 17.8 cu ft versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft, the Durango’s standard Rear-Wheel Drive configuration contrasts sharply with the Ascent’s standard All-Wheel Drive system, influencing traction performance metrics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 22 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent provides marginally more standard cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft and standard AWD, beneficial for varied family transportation needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering higher peak output with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with RWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango offers a lower entry MSRP of $38,495 while providing 35 more horsepower than the $39,995 Subaru Ascent.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Maximum straight-line power is a priority, evidenced by its 295 hp engine.
You prefer a traditional Rear-Wheel Drive platform over standard AWD.
You require the longer overall vehicle length of 200.8 inches for aesthetic preference.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, reflected in its 22 MPG combined rating.
All-weather traction is required, guaranteed by its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Slightly greater maximum cargo volume of 17.8 cu ft is necessary for utility.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Subaru Ascent
Length	200.8"	196.8"
Width	75.8"	76.0"
Height	72.1"	71.6"
Wheelbase	119.8"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover offers better standard drivetrain capability for adverse weather?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the clear choice, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Dodge Durango defaults to Rear-Wheel Drive, which may necessitate an optional upgrade for similar traction performance.

How significantly does the horsepower gap affect driving feel?

The Durango leads by 35 hp (295 hp vs. 260 hp), suggesting a noticeable advantage in acceleration and passing power. Conversely, the Ascent compensates slightly with higher torque output at 277 lb-ft versus the Durango's 260 lb-ft.

Is the initial price difference of $1,500 worth the MPG trade-off?

The Durango is $1,500 cheaper at $38,495, but its 2 MPG deficit (20 combined vs. 22 combined) means the Ascent may offer better long-term fuel savings.

Which vehicle offers more physical space for cargo?

The Subaru Ascent provides slightly more usable space with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet, despite the Durango being over 4 inches longer externally.

What types of transmissions do these models utilize?

The Dodge Durango employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Are both vehicles rated for the same fuel type?

Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2025 Subaru Ascent utilize regular unleaded fuel, simplifying refueling requirements for owners of either vehicle.