2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,050 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary disparity between the 2025 Ford Explorer (Car 1) and the 2026 Subaru Outback (Car 2) is performance, highlighted by a 120 horsepower advantage for the Explorer (300 hp vs. 180 hp). However, the Outback counters this with a substantial value proposition, costing $5,055 less at an MSRP of $34,995 compared to the Explorer's $40,050. Fuel economy also favors the Subaru, achieving a combined 27 MPG against the Ford's 24 MPG, with the Outback offering better highway ratings at 31 MPG. Dimensionally, the Explorer is significantly larger, measuring 198.8 inches in length versus 191.7 inches for the Outback. Despite its smaller footprint, the Outback doubles the cargo space, providing 34.6 cubic feet compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet with the third row in use or equivalent configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Outback offers substantially more usable space, boasting 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly overshadowing the Outback's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback presents better initial value with an MSRP that is $5,055 lower than the Ford Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

Maximum engine output is prioritized, as the Explorer provides 300 horsepower.
Rear-Wheel Drive configuration is preferred over the standard AWD system of Car 2.
A physically larger vehicle footprint (198.8 inches long) is necessary for road presence or garage fitment.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing cargo volume is critical, given the Outback's 34.6 cubic feet capacity.
Lower running costs are desired, supported by a 27 combined MPG rating.
The total purchase price needs to be minimized, starting at $34,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Subaru Outback
Length	198.8"	191.7"
Width	78.9"	74.0"
Height	69.9"	67.5"
Wheelbase	119.1"	108.1"

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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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	—	12.1 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.5 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 Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.1 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 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 Outback.

Which vehicle has better efficiency for daily driving?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the more efficient option, delivering a combined 27 MPG using regular unleaded fuel. The 2025 Ford Explorer lags slightly behind at 24 combined MPG.

Why is the Explorer significantly more expensive than the Outback?

The Explorer carries a $5,055 higher MSRP ($40,050 vs. $34,995), which is largely attributable to its significantly higher performance metrics, including 300 horsepower versus 180 horsepower in the Outback.

Does the difference in drivetrain affect performance or capability?

Yes, the Explorer uses Rear Wheel Drive, while the Outback includes standard All Wheel Drive. However, the Explorer compensates for this with 120 more horsepower (300 hp vs. 180 hp).

How do these two crossovers compare in physical size?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is the larger vehicle, standing 198.8 inches long and 78.9 inches wide. The 2026 Subaru Outback is more compact at 191.7 inches in length and 74.0 inches in width.

If I prioritize hauling gear, which vehicle is better?

The Subaru Outback is superior for cargo hauling, offering 34.6 cubic feet of storage space. The Ford Explorer is listed with only 18.2 cubic feet, likely reflecting its third-row seating configuration.

What type of fuel do both vehicles require?

Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to use regular unleaded gasoline, offering equal ease of refueling regarding octane requirements.