2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trims with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This edition, positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition's sporty appearance was a departure from the Ascent's previous styling, offering a more dynamic look. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition boasted a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The interior also featured metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, adding to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its clean, car-like styling was complemented by slim headlights and Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights at the rear. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had subtle yet distinctive styling features, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, such as the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle's look. Inside, the Durango's materials were suited to their price points, with the Citadel model offering luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The SRT Hellcat test car featured bold red leather upholstery, adding a touch of flair to the interior.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg. The flat-four engine design contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and featured Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. While the Ascent demonstrated nimbleness in urban settings, its lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel unstable on highways.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission was paired with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model boasted a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, especially in the Hellcat model, though its size made it less agile on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo capacity was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench. The Citadel and SRT models featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space than some rivals, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, while the Harman Kardon premium sound system was reserved for higher trims. Additional tech features included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera on the Touring trim.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen featuring wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth. The Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the Uconnect 5 system. The larger screen and Uconnect 5 provided a responsive and user-friendly experience. The SRT models included Performance Pages, offering performance data on the touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS tests, with "Good" marks in some areas but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave the Durango a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. The Durango offered limited standard driver-assist tech, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims. Forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were standard only on the Citadel.