2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$38,995 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the newly re-imagined 2026 Dodge Durango and the established 2026 Subaru Ascent often boils down to prioritizing power versus sure-footed traction. If you need sheer grunt, the Durango jumps ahead with 295 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, despite its lower starting MSRP of $38,995 versus the Subaru's $40,795. However, daily driving efficiency leans toward the Ascent, achieving 22 MPG combined, slightly edging out the Durango's 20 MPG combined rating. For city drivers, the Ascent offers better fuel economy at 20 MPG in the city versus the Durango's 18 MPG. While the Durango is longer at 200.8 inches, the Ascent nets slightly more room for gear with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize the Durango's performance edge or the Ascent's standard All-Wheel Drive and marginally better fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is better for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

Families will appreciate the standard All-Wheel Drive capability of the Ascent for unpredictable weather over the Durango's standard Rear Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango is the pick for enthusiasts as it boasts significantly more power with 295 horsepower compared to the Ascent's 260 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

The Durango offers better raw power for a lower starting price point of $38,995 compared to the Ascent's $40,795 MSRP.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You desire the higher output engine, delivering 295 horsepower.
You prefer the traditional feel and handling characteristics of a Rear Wheel Drive platform.
You want the lowest entry price point at $38,995 before options.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You live in an area requiring confidence in slippery conditions due to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, getting 20 MPG in the city versus 18 MPG for the Durango.
You need marginally more storage space, as the Ascent offers 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

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 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover is faster off the line, the 2026 Durango or the 2026 Ascent?

The 2026 Dodge Durango is expected to be quicker, primarily due to its 35 horsepower advantage, producing 295 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp.

How do the size differences impact their real-world usability?

The Durango is slightly longer at 200.8 inches, which might make parking trickier, though the Ascent is marginally wider at 76.0 inches.

Is the Ascent's CVT transmission a major downside compared to the Durango's 8-speed automatic?

For pure performance driving, the Durango's traditional 8-speed automatic is often preferred; however, the Ascent’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is tuned specifically to maximize its 22 MPG combined efficiency.

Which vehicle uses regular unleaded gasoline?

Both the 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Subaru Ascent specify regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep long-term running costs predictable for both options.

How does the standard drivetrain (RWD vs. AWD) affect performance?

The Durango's standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) usually offers a better performance feel for enthusiasts, while the Ascent's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) provides superior traction control in adverse weather for families.