2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$38,495 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Subaru Ascent is the horsepower advantage, with the Durango producing 295 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, a margin of 35 hp. Conversely, the Ascent edges out the Durango in fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined, and also offers slightly better cargo space at 17.8 cu ft to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft. The Ascent's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) contrasts with the Durango's standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration. Starting at an MSRP of $38,495, the Durango is $2,300 less expensive than the Ascent's $40,795 entry price. While the Durango boasts higher peak horsepower, the Ascent counters with superior torque at 277 lb-ft against the Durango's 260 lb-ft, suggesting stronger low-end pulling capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the superior choice for commuters due to its 22 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers slightly more usable space with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity and standard AWD for diverse weather conditions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 295 hp output and traditional RWD platform.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

The Durango presents better initial value, starting at an MSRP of $38,495, which is $2,300 less than the Ascent.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Your priority is maximum straight-line horsepower, as the Durango offers 295 hp.
You prefer a traditional Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration for driving dynamics.
You seek the lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $38,495.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, supported by its 22 MPG combined rating.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability across all trims.
You need slightly more storage, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus 17.2 cu ft.

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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How does the drivetrain fundamentally differ between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Dodge Durango comes standard with a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup, while the 2026 Subaru Ascent includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment across its line. This impacts traction in low-grip scenarios and influences handling characteristics.

Which vehicle offers better power delivery, based on torque figures?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent technically offers higher peak torque at 277 lb-ft compared to the Durango's 260 lb-ft. Despite having lower horsepower, this suggests the Ascent may feel stronger during initial acceleration or when pulling heavier loads.

What is the financial difference when comparing their starting prices?

The 2025 Dodge Durango has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $38,495. The 2026 Subaru Ascent starts at $40,795, making the Durango $2,300 less expensive at the base level.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel consumption between the two?

Yes, the Ascent is more economical, rated at 22 MPG combined (20 City/26 Highway). The Durango trails slightly with a 20 MPG combined rating (18 City/25 Highway).

How do the exterior dimensions compare, particularly for garage fitment?

The Durango is the longer vehicle at 200.8 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, although the Ascent is marginally wider at 76.0 inches versus 75.8 inches. Both vehicles are quite large, but the Durango's length should be noted.