2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$40,050 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Subaru Ascent pits raw power against assured traction. The Explorer immediately thrills with a potent 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a robust 10-speed automatic transmission, making it the choice for spirited driving, despite achieving a slightly lower 24 MPG combined. Conversely, the Ascent charms with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, offering confidence in all conditions, even if its 260 horsepower trails the Ford. While the Explorer is slightly longer at 198.8 inches, the Ascent counters with greater height at 71.6 inches, potentially aiding cabin space. Priced nearly identically—$40,050 for the Explorer versus $40,795 for the Ascent—the choice hinges on whether dynamic performance or all-weather security drives your decision.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer's higher 300 hp output offers more dynamic passing power for daily highway use.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The standard All-Wheel Drive system in the Ascent provides superior security and handling stability for family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer’s massive 40 hp advantage and higher 310 lb-ft of torque make its driving experience undeniably punchier.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer offers 40 more horsepower for only a $745 lower starting MSRP of $40,050.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from the 300 hp engine.
You prefer the assured feel of a rear-wheel-drive based platform paired with a 10-speed automatic.
You need the maximum possible exterior length for garaging, measuring 198.8 inches.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

All-weather traction is mandatory, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You value a slightly taller profile (71.6 inches height) for better sightlines or headroom.
You seek slightly better highway efficiency, netting 26 MPG highway versus the Explorer's 29 MPG.

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: Leatherette	—	✓
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How significant is the power difference between the Explorer and the Ascent?

The 2025 Ford Explorer commands a 40 horsepower lead, producing 300 hp compared to the 2026 Subaru Ascent's 260 hp. This 40 hp gap translates to a noticeably quicker feel from behind the wheel of the Explorer.

Which crossover handles snowy or wet conditions better right out of the box?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the superior choice for inclement weather as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Explorer defaults to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).

Are these crossovers similarly sized for parking?

They are very close in footprint, but the Explorer is slightly longer at 198.8 inches, whereas the Ascent is wider (76.0 inches) but significantly taller at 71.6 inches.

What is the fuel economy trade-off for the Explorer's extra power?

The more powerful Explorer achieves 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway) using regular unleaded fuel. The Ascent is slightly thirstier overall at 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway).

How do the MSRPs compare for these two baseline models?

The vehicles are priced competitively near the $40,000 mark; the 2025 Explorer starts at $40,050, narrowly undercutting the 2026 Ascent's starting price of $40,795.