2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Subaru Ascent lies in performance metrics, where the Explorer claims a significant 40 horsepower advantage, producing 300 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, supported by 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Subaru's 277 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency slightly favors the Explorer at 24 MPG combined (20/29 MPG), marginally better than the Ascent's 22 MPG combined (20/26 MPG). Pricewise, the Ascent starts higher at $39,995 against the Explorer's $38,330. Dimensionally, the Ascent is taller at 71.6 inches but shorter in length (196.8 inches vs. 198.8 inches for the Ford). While the Ascent offers marginally more cargo space at 17.8 cu ft, the Explorer’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission sets it apart from the Ascent’s CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is better suited for families needing versatile storage, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will favor the Explorer for its significantly higher output of 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers better outright power for a lower initial MSRP of $38,330 compared to the Ascent's $39,995.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You require a vehicle with standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- You prioritize vertical space, as the Ascent measures 71.6 inches in height.
- You need the maximum specified cargo volume of 17.8 cubic feet.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum acceleration is a priority, given the Explorer's 300 hp output.
- You prefer the shifting dynamics of a 10-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You are seeking the lower starting MSRP of $38,330 for entry-level trims.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.9" |
| Height | 71.6" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which crossover has a mechanical advantage in terms of drivetrain?
The 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive and utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 Subaru Ascent employs All-Wheel Drive standard, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
How do the starting prices compare for the base models?
The 2026 Ford Explorer carries a lower introductory MSRP at $38,330. The 2025 Subaru Ascent is positioned slightly higher, starting at $39,995.
Is there a notable difference in fuel economy ratings?
Yes, the Ford Explorer has a slightly better combined rating of 24 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Specifically, the Explorer achieves 29 MPG on the highway versus the Ascent’s 26 MPG highway rating.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The Ford Explorer is longer at 198.8 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, and it is also wider by 2.9 inches. However, the Ascent is significantly taller, measuring 71.6 inches to the Explorer's 69.9 inches.
How much more power does the Explorer generate?
The Ford Explorer generates 300 horsepower, which is 40 hp more than the Subaru Ascent’s 260 horsepower. This power difference is backed by 310 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer versus 277 lb-ft in the Ascent.
Which model offers more usable space behind the third row?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is an advantage over the 2026 Ford Explorer’s 16.3 cubic feet capacity.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool