2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$28,145 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Maverick ignites the compact segment with its urban agility and phenomenal fuel economy, boasting a combined 38 MPG from its 191 hp engine, making it the efficiency champion. Conversely, the rugged 2026 Subaru Forester enters the fray prioritizing sure-footed capability, standard All-Wheel Drive, and a stronger 178 lb-ft of torque, even if its 29 MPG lags behind. The Maverick, stretching 199.8 inches long, champions practicality through sheer mileage savings and a lower $28,145 starting MSRP, appealing directly to budget-conscious daily drivers. The Forester, slightly smaller at 183.3 inches, counters with standard AWD security and 29.6 cu ft of cargo space. This showdown pits the Maverick’s dominant 42 MPG city rating against the Forester’s torque advantage and inherent capability, defining two very distinct paths in the crossover world.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG, promising significantly lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The Forester offers greater peace of mind for families with standard All-Wheel Drive and dedicated cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Maverick

Despite having less torque, the Maverick’s 191 hp output and lighter FWD setup offer a more spirited acceleration feel for city driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Maverick

With an MSRP of $28,145, the Maverick undercuts the Forester and saves thousands over time through its exceptional fuel economy.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Your top priority is minimizing trips to the gas station, thanks to the Maverick's 42 MPG in city driving.
You are looking for the most affordable entry point into this comparison, starting at just $28,145.
You value a lighter, more nimble feel around town with its Front Wheel Drive layout.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Driving in adverse weather or challenging terrains is common, making the standard All-Wheel Drive essential.
You require more secure hauling capacity, as the Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet for gear.
You prefer a punchier low-end pull from its 178 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.

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 2026 Subaru Forester.

What is the biggest functional difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Forester?

The most significant functional split is the drivetrain; the Maverick uses Front Wheel Drive with its efficient hybrid powertrain, whereas the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction. This results in the Maverick achieving a massive 9 MPG efficiency advantage.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Subaru Forester initially?

The 2026 Subaru Forester starts at an MSRP of $29,995, making it $1,850 more expensive right off the showroom floor compared to the Maverick's $28,145 price tag.

If performance matters, which vehicle has the better power metrics?

The 2025 Ford Maverick has a slight edge in peak horsepower, delivering 191 hp versus the Forester's 180 hp. However, the Forester counters with superior torque production at 178 lb-ft versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.

How does cargo space compare between these two crossovers?

While the Maverick's overall dimensions are larger, the provided specs only list 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity for the 2026 Subaru Forester. The exact cargo figures for the Maverick were not provided for a direct comparison.

Is one vehicle substantially larger than the other on the road?

Yes, the 2025 Ford Maverick is noticeably longer, measuring 199.8 inches in length, which is over 16 inches longer than the 183.3-inch Forester, though both share similar width profiles.