2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$38,995 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Dodge Durango (Car 1) and the 2026 Subaru Outback (Car 2) is the 115 horsepower gap, with the Durango generating 295 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp. This power disparity is reflected in the initial cost, where the Durango carries a $38,995 MSRP against the Outback's $34,995, a $4,000 initial investment difference. Fuel economy strongly favors the Outback, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined, translating to a substantial 7 MPG advantage for the Subaru. While the Durango offers a larger footprint at 200.8 inches long, the Outback excels in utility with double the primary cargo capacity at 34.6 cubic feet versus the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet. The Durango’s RWD platform and V6 power (implied by torque figures) contrast sharply with the Outback's standard AWD and efficiency focus.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback secures the commuter win due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel efficiency versus the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families prioritizing utility will favor the Outback, which offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts will prefer the Durango for its significant 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque output compared to the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides better fundamental value by saving $4,000 upfront and delivering 7 more miles per gallon.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You require substantial engine output, specifically the 295 horsepower available in the Durango.
You prefer the driving dynamics of a rear-wheel drive platform and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
You need the larger overall physical presence, measuring 200.8 inches in length.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Fuel cost savings are critical, leveraging the Outback's 31 MPG highway rating.
Maximum practical cargo hauling is a priority, utilizing the 34.6 cu ft capacity.
Standard all-wheel drive capability is necessary for varied road conditions.

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 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more does the 2026 Dodge Durango cost than the Subaru Outback?

The 2026 Dodge Durango starts at an MSRP of $38,995, which is exactly $4,000 more than the 2026 Subaru Outback's starting price of $34,995.

Which crossover offers better long-term running costs based on fuel economy?

The Subaru Outback is projected to have lower long-term running costs due to its efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined, significantly outpacing the Durango's 20 MPG combined rating.

If I need maximum cargo volume, which crossover is the better choice?

The Subaru Outback is the superior choice for cargo, offering 34.6 cubic feet, which is nearly double the 17.2 cubic feet provided by the Dodge Durango.

Is the performance gap between these two vehicles substantial?

Yes, the performance gap is significant; the Durango produces 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback is rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

What are the fundamental drivetrain differences between the two models?

The Durango employs a rear-wheel drive configuration paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive and utilizes a continuously variable transmission.

Are the dimensions comparable, especially for garage parking?

The Durango is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 72.1 inches in height, compared to the Outback's 191.7-inch length and 67.5-inch height.