2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$39,995 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Get ready for a heavyweight family crossover clash where capability meets muscle! The 2025 Subaru Ascent bursts onto the scene with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a potent 260 hp Boxer engine, offering unwavering stability for just $39,995. It commands 277 lb-ft of torque, providing confidence through varied weather. Facing off is the entirely revamped 2026 Dodge Durango, bringing raw American power to the segment with 295 hp, edging out the Ascent by a full 35 horsepower, though riding primarily on RWD. The Durango, slightly larger at 200.8 inches long, demands fuel more often, netting a combined 20 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG. While the Ascent prioritizes efficiency and sure-footedness, the Durango tantalizes with its superior horsepower and an 8-speed automatic gearbox ready to hustle its larger frame down the road. Both offer similar overall bulk, yet target distinctly different drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent's standard AWD system offers inherent security for family hauling in diverse conditions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango’s 295 horsepower offers a noticeably more exciting performance edge than the Ascent's 260 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango undercuts the competition with a lower starting MSRP of $38,995.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize standard stability and traction, relying on the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You seek better everyday running costs with a 22 MPG combined rating versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
You prefer predictable power delivery provided by the CVT paired with 277 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You crave the immediate thrill of 295 horsepower available right off the line.
You want a traditional, engaging drive feel courtesy of the RWD platform and 8-speed automatic transmission.
You are looking for the lowest entry price point at an MSRP of $38,995.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Dodge
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	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Dodge
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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Dodge Durango.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 Durango?

The main mechanical contrast is the drivetrain configuration; the Ascent features standard All-Wheel Drive while the Durango utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive platform, though both are large crossovers. Power also differs, with the Durango making 295 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers better efficiency with a 22 MPG combined rating (20 city/26 highway). The 2026 Dodge Durango consumes slightly more fuel, rated at 20 MPG combined (18 city/25 highway).

How do the transmissions compare in these two models?

The Subaru Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission designed for smoothness and efficiency. Conversely, the Dodge Durango utilizes a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, catering to drivers who prefer distinct gear changes.

Is there a significant price difference between the two crossovers?

Yes, the 2026 Dodge Durango is the more affordable entry point with an MSRP of $38,995, slightly undercutting the 2025 Subaru Ascent's starting price of $39,995.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for gear?

The Subaru Ascent technically provides slightly more maximum cargo volume at 17.8 cubic feet compared to the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet, though both offer substantial utility.

Which vehicle is physically larger in overall dimensions?

The 2026 Dodge Durango is slightly longer and taller than the Ascent; it measures 200.8 inches in length and 72.1 inches in height, making it marginally larger than the Ascent's respective measurements.