2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward yet simple, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but with a longer wheelbase and overall length. While the Jeep received significant cabin updates, the Durango felt somewhat dated and in need of a refresh. This refresh was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a heavily reworked cabin.

Trims for the 2020 Durango included SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT. The SXT came standard with 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The GT added 20-inch wheels, a sport-inspired grille, and remote start. The R/T featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, rain-sensing wipers, and leather-and-suede upholstery. The Citadel was the luxury trim with unique chrome exterior touches and premium leather upholstery. The range-topping SRT had a unique look with a more aggressive lower front fascia, auto-leveling headlights, and 20-inch black wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced for the 2019 model year, filled a long-overdue gap in Subaru's lineup. It was a three-row midsize SUV that drew design elements from the smaller Forester and Outback models. The cabin design was consistent with other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for shoppers. Trims for the Ascent included Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Standard trim was well-equipped with driver-assistance features, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and tri-zone climate control. The Premium trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen, stain-resistant upholstery, and heated front seats. The Limited trim added push-button start, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated second-row seats. The range-topping Touring trim offered second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT was equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim.

The V6 engine provided decent power, suitable for family hauling. The 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T offered confident acceleration, making the Citadel a robust near-luxury SUV. The SRT, with its 392 cubic inch V8, delivered strong low-end power and impressive high-speed performance. The SRT also featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Dodge SRT performance pages in the 8.4-inch touchscreen allowed for detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While some shoppers might have preferred a premium engine option, the standard engine was effective in most driving scenarios, particularly around town and on the highway.

The Ascent's ride focused on refined comfort, with responsive handling through corners and the ability to absorb road bumps. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was capable in snow and light off-roading. It was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, though the VW Atlas offered more space. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The Durango's cabin offered plenty of space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped for adults but suitable for kids. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays for gear. The second row in the SRT model included a center console with cup holders.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This was on the higher end of the midsize three-row SUV class, though some rivals offered more space. The Ascent came standard with a power liftgate but lacked a hands-free option.

The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers in its base configuration, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, with ample headroom and legroom. The third row could accommodate adults for shorter trips but was better suited for kids on longer journeys. The Ascent featured an impressive 19 cupholders and plenty of trays and cubbies for gear.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. Both screens utilized Dodge’s Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. Uconnect featured a tablet-inspired layout with a dock of icons for easy access to various functions. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to switch between CarPlay and Uconnect screens.

The semi-digital instrument panel was helpful, with easy navigation via the steering wheel's directional pad. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system with nine speakers and a subwoofer. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was available on the R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured Subaru's StarLink infotainment system, with logical menu layouts and large icons for both available touchscreens. Both screens were backed by hard buttons and dials, as well as a home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Ascent came with two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims included front- and rear parking sensors. High-tech driver-assistance features were optional, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were also available.

In crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Durango earned a four-star rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in other phases. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Durango as Moderate for driver’s side small-front overlap testing and Good in other crash tests. The crash-prevention technology was rated Superior but was optional.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. For 2021, the Ascent gained standard automatic high beams and headlights that bent with the steering angle. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.