2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$40,050 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing raw power versus all-weather security. If you need spirited acceleration on your commute, the Explorer pulls ahead significantly with its 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily besting the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. However, this power advantage costs the Explorer slightly in fuel economy, achieving a combined 24 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG. Despite the slight size difference—the Explorer is about 2 inches longer at 198.8 inches—the Ascent boasts a taller stance at 71.6 inches, potentially aiding ground clearance. While pricing is nearly identical, starting at $40,050 for the Explorer and $39,995 for the Ascent, buyers must weigh the Explorer's RWD bias against the Ascent's standard AWD security for navigating tough conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer offers superior highway performance with better potential highway MPG (29 MPG) and a punchier engine for merging.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent's standard All-Wheel Drive system provides superior predictable traction and safety confidence for family road trips regardless of weather.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer is the clear winner here, boasting 40 more horsepower and 33 more lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent provides standard AWD and nearly identical passenger/cargo dimensions for $55 less MSRP than the Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize brisk acceleration and plan on running on regular unleaded fuel while maximizing highway efficiency (29 MPG).
You prefer the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform for handling characteristics.
You need the slightly larger footprint, indicated by the Explorer's 198.8-inch length.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Driving in snowy or unpredictable weather is common, thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive.
You need a slightly taller ride height, as the Ascent sits 1.7 inches higher than the Explorer.
You want a proven powertrain setup utilizing a continuously variable automatic transmission for smoother city driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent
Length	198.8"	196.8"
Width	78.9"	76.0"
Height	69.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	119.1"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	11.6 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	57.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which car has the better highway fuel economy?

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers better highway efficiency, rated at 29 MPG compared to the Subaru Ascent's 26 MPG on the highway. This makes the Explorer slightly more economical for long, sustained road trips.

Is the Ford Explorer's RWD better than the Subaru Ascent's AWD for my daily drive?

It depends on your location; the Ascent's standard AWD is excellent for handling snow, ice, or slippery backroads. The Explorer's RWD might feel sportier in dry conditions but requires caution when road surfaces become slick.

How much more powerful is the Ford Explorer?

The Explorer has a noticeable power advantage, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its engine. This is exactly 40 horsepower more than the Ascent's 260 hp and 33 lb-ft less torque.

If I frequently haul gear, which crossover offers more storage?

Both are very close, but the Explorer has a slightly larger advertised cargo capacity at 18.2 cubic feet compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet. However, the Ascent is significantly taller (71.6 inches vs. 69.9 inches), which might aid in stacking vertically.

Are the starting prices significantly different?

No, they are essentially in the same pricing ballpark for the base models. The Subaru Ascent starts at $39,995, while the Ford Explorer is listed at $40,050, a difference of only $55.

What kind of transmissions do these crossovers use?

The Ford Explorer uses a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for its predictable shifts. The Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which is tuned for smoother, constant acceleration.