2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, resembling a larger Subaru Forester, was designed with practicality and utility in mind. It featured gray plastic cladding for 360-degree protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for a robust appearance. Roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels added to its functional design. The base model, starting at $31,995, came with 18-inch wheels and lacked privacy glass. Upgrading to the Premium trim at $34,395 offered better detailing and a superior infotainment system. The Limited trim at $39,345 added leather seats, while the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045 included premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and luxury enhancements. The test vehicle, a Touring trim, was priced at $46,285 and featured a stylish Abyss Blue Pearl exterior with Java Brown leather interior, showcasing quality materials and thoughtful details.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, consistent with its Charger and Challenger siblings. The new SRT Hellcat model featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a unique front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. The cabin boasted a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while higher trims offered leather, suede, Nappa leather, and Laguna leather options. The updates to the dashboard gave the Durango a modern appearance, aligning it with the Charger and Challenger muscle cars.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive (AWD). It produced 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing good acceleration. However, it was a thirsty powertrain, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with slow and numb steering and a suspension that struggled with undulating road surfaces. The CVT, while decent, produced uneven power delivery and an unpredictable powertrain. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Hellcat's brakes performed well, even on the track. The Durango R/T with the Tow N Go Package demonstrated stable towing capabilities, and the SRT models offered configurable drive modes and performance pages for track days.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent provided a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable with a manual thigh support extension. The dashboard featured a useful shelf and upscale ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. The Ascent offered a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and convenience. The third-row seat was accessible and suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. The Durango provided 21 seat options, allowing for customization. Cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. The Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, standing out compared to earlier models and other Dodge vehicles like the Journey and Grand Caravan.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and integrated apps. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security connected services. The Touring trim included a high-resolution screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, but the voice-control system was outdated and the navigation system occasionally misplaced the vehicle. The Ascent offered a 180-degree front camera view, a 180-degree rear camera view, and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was faster and allowed for greater personalization, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. SRT models featured unique appearance elements and performance pages.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on Subaru’s latest global platform, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came with EyeSight, a suite of camera-based advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited trim included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services, with a Security Plus upgrade plan offering additional safety and convenience features.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not yet available.