2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$38,495 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Subaru Outback lies in powertrain performance, with the Durango offering 295 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp—a difference of 115 horsepower. This substantial power advantage in the Durango comes at the cost of efficiency; the Outback achieves 27 combined MPG, superior to the Durango's 20 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Outback is significantly more practical regarding cargo, boasting 34.6 cubic feet versus the Durango's minimal 17.2 cubic feet, despite the Durango being 9.1 inches longer overall. The initial investment also favors the Subaru, priced at $34,995 against the Durango's $38,495 MSRP. While the Durango leverages RWD, the Outback’s standard AWD and superior fuel economy present a strong case for daily driving efficiency, whereas the Durango focuses squarely on traditional, powerful performance metrics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior choice for commuters due to its 27 combined MPG, significantly outperforming the Durango’s 20 MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families will favor the Outback as it offers more than double the standard cargo capacity at 34.6 cu ft compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Dodge Durango for its robust power figures, delivering 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides better baseline value with a lower MSRP of $34,995 and significantly better fuel economy.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You require the RWD-based platform and 295 hp output for a more traditional driving dynamic.
Towing or robust power delivery outweighs fuel cost concerns, evidenced by its lower 20 MPG rating.
The larger physical dimensions (200.8 inches in length) are necessary for perceived presence or a specific need.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, as evidenced by its 31 highway MPG versus the Durango's 25 MPG.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is required as standard equipment over the Durango's RWD.
You prioritize usable interior volume, benefitting from the Outback's 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Subaru Outback
Length	200.8"	191.7"
Width	75.8"	74.0"
Height	72.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	119.8"	108.1"

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	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.1 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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	55.5 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	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.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	55.1 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 Outback.

What is the difference in horsepower and torque output between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Dodge Durango is substantially more powerful, producing 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback offers a lower output of 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Subaru Outback compared to the Dodge Durango?

The Outback delivers a combined 27 MPG, whereas the Durango is rated for only 20 combined MPG. This 7 MPG difference translates to substantially lower annual fuel expenditures for the Outback.

Which vehicle has a better starting price and overall value proposition?

The 2026 Subaru Outback has the lower entry price at $34,995, compared to the Durango’s $38,495 MSRP. When factoring in its superior MPG, the Outback presents a stronger initial value.

Is one vehicle significantly larger for hauling cargo?

Yes, the 2026 Subaru Outback offers nearly double the utility, providing 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Dodge Durango is severely limited, offering only 17.2 cu ft.

What are the fundamental drivetrain differences?

The 2025 Dodge Durango comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with its signature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system utilizing a continuously variable automatic transmission.

How does the physical size of the two crossovers compare?

The Durango is notably larger in every dimension, measuring 200.8 inches long, 75.8 inches wide, and 72.1 inches high. The Outback is more compact at 191.7 inches long, 74.0 inches wide, and 67.5 inches high.