2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$28,145 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Subaru Forester is fuel economy, where the Maverick achieves a significant 9 MPG advantage, boasting a 38 combined MPG rating compared to the Forester's 29 combined MPG. Pricing is closely matched, with the Maverick starting at $28,145 against the Forester's $29,995 MSRP, a $1,850 difference. Performance metrics show the Maverick generating 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, slightly ahead in horsepower, while the Forester counters with greater torque at 178 lb-ft. Dimensional analysis reveals the Maverick is longer at 199.8 inches versus the Forester's 183.3 inches, though the Forester offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space. A crucial mechanical distinction is the standard All-Wheel Drive on the Forester versus the Maverick's Front-Wheel Drive setup.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester is better for families due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick offers higher peak horsepower at 191 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick provides better fuel economy for a lower initial MSRP of $28,145.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Maverick achieves 42 MPG in city driving versus the Forester's 26 MPG city rating.
A lower entry price is desired, with the Maverick's MSRP starting $1,850 below the Forester.
A slightly longer wheelbase (199.8 inches) is preferred for exterior footprint or potential load length.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-weather traction is mandatory, as the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
Greater low-end pull is needed, evidenced by the Forester's higher 178 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
Maximum dedicated cargo space is required, as the Forester offers 29.6 cu ft for storage.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Subaru Forester
Length	199.8"	183.3"
Width	72.6"	72.0"
Height	68.8"	68.1"
Wheelbase	121.1"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Solid 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
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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	electrically variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.7 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

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

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 Maverick and 2025 Subaru Forester.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain capability between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction. Conversely, the 2025 Ford Maverick utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive configuration.

How do the torque figures compare, and why does it matter?

The Forester produces 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Maverick's 155 lb-ft. Higher torque generally aids in initial acceleration and towing capacity.

Which vehicle is definitively more fuel-efficient for long commutes?

The Ford Maverick is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 38 combined MPG. This results in an annual operational cost advantage over the Forester's 29 combined MPG rating.