2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim, giving it a sporty appearance that was previously absent. This edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching, which was a refreshing change from the typical black interiors. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though they were only available on the Premier trim. The Ascent's interior also featured metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, setting an appropriate mood.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles and opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango's slim styling, forward-leaning headlights, and large lower air intake gave it a distinctive presence. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered materials suited to different price points, with the Citadel trim adding luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity was up to 2,270 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and it featured Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance for off-roading capability.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model boasted a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of roughly 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, and the adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes made managing the power easy.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight people, 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, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space than some rivals, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms (6,200 pounds) and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms (8,700 pounds).

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, while the Premier trim offered a Harman Kardon premium sound system. Additional technology features included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and Uconnect 5. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with SRT models featuring unique Easter Eggs and the Performance Pages app. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

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 rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with EyeSight driver-assist technology, though it had limitations in certain conditions. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It 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 available on higher trims.