2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Dodge Durango

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, though these updates were subtle. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that visually connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design prioritizing function. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish, while chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent. The Limited Hybrid trim included a heated steering wheel and an optional 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. The 2021 refresh updated the grille, lighting, and bumpers, while the dashboard received an overhaul. The wraparound LED taillight, a signature piece, remained distinguishable even as LED technology became common. The Durango's stance and front end exuded a tough, no-nonsense attitude, making it a natural fit as a police cruiser. The America250 package, introduced at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, added unique features like black leather seats with blue perforations, a U.S. flag on the seats, and red, white, and blue stitching on the steering wheel. Inside, the Durango showed its age with older-style switches and cheaper plastic grains, but it offered a refreshingly analog experience. The touchscreen was large by modern standards, and the upper trims featured leather, carbon fiber, and microsuede, albeit of lower quality. Despite its dated interior, the Durango's driving experience remained a highlight, with good handling and minimal body roll.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and it exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful V8 engines, with the 3.6-liter V6 as the standard option on base trims. The V6 produced 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but struggled to move the Durango's 5,000-pound weight. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, available on GT and GT Plus models, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, significantly boosting towing capacity to 8,700 pounds. The SRT Hellcat featured a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp, while the 6.4-liter V8 on the R/T offered 475 hp. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission and multiple AWD modes provided smooth and unobtrusive performance. The SRT Hellcat, with its racing stripes and sport suspension, delivered an exhilarating driving experience, though the ride was stiff across all trims. The Durango's handling was commendable, with minimal body roll, but steering accuracy was lacking.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a cargo volume of 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with a standard second-row bench seat on most trims. Captain's chairs were optional on GT Plus and GT Premium trims, providing easier access to the third row. The third row, however, was tight by modern standards, reflecting the Durango's older chassis design. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. While headroom and legroom in the first and second rows were adequate, seat padding in the second row was firm.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and many controls were accessed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Dodge Durango came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The base GT trim had a six-speaker stereo, while higher trims featured a nine-speaker Alpine stereo or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Durango lacked advanced features like semi-automated driving or rear-seat entertainment, but the Hellcat's infotainment system included performance functions like launch control.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS not awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation due to marginal and acceptable scores in crash tests. However, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

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 limited crash performance. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitors and parking sensors, but advanced driver-assist features were limited.