Dodge Durango vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design. The third-generation model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that visually connected with the headlights, creating a Cheshire cat-like smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models featured black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to an airy atmosphere.

The 2026 Dodge Durango, despite its age, retained a timeless style with its blend of chunky fenders and smooth body panels. A refresh in 2021 updated the grille, lighting, and bumpers, while the interior dashboard received an overhaul. The wraparound LED taillight remained a signature feature, giving the Durango a tough, no-nonsense attitude. The interior, however, showed its age with outdated switches, buttons, and cheaper plastic materials. Despite this, the Durango offered a refreshingly analog experience with logical controls. The touchscreen was large by modern standards, and upper trims featured leather, carbon fibre, and microsuede, albeit of lower quality. The Durango's driving experience was praised for its handling and minimal body roll, although steering accuracy was lacking.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque in non-hybrid models. The hybrid version, however, was the fastest Crosstrek, with a total system output of 194 hp, thanks to its Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management system enhanced its capability on variable terrain.

The 2026 Dodge Durango was primarily available with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The V6 struggled to move the nearly 5,000-pound vehicle, similar to other V6-engined competitors. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, improved towing capacity and performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, offered exhilarating performance but with high fuel consumption. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission and multiple AWD modes provided smooth operation, while handling was commendable despite a stiff ride.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a cargo volume of 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray, cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five or seven passengers, depending on the trim. The third row was tight, reflecting its shared chassis with older models. Headroom and legroom in the first and second rows were adequate, though seat padding was firm. Cargo space was competitive, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres behind the second row, and 2,409 litres with both rows folded. This positioned the Durango well against rivals like the Telluride and Pilot.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software was slow and laggy compared to competitors. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which was frustrating. The Harman Kardon stereo and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster were highlights, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2026 Dodge Durango came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Plus and Hellcat featured a nine-speaker Alpine stereo, while a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system was optional. The Durango lacked semi-automated driving functions and other modern features, but the Hellcat's infotainment included performance functions like launch control.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS not awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation. However, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite was comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more, though it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2026 Dodge Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but recent IIHS ratings were unavailable. While it featured a driver's knee airbag and central side airbag, its dated body structure affected crash performance. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning, with additional features available in higher trims.