2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Ford Maverick

$29,995 · Crossover

$28,145 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the tried-and-true reliability of the 2025 Subaru Forester and the new-age efficiency of the 2026 Ford Maverick? It’s a classic trade-off between rugged capability and fuel savings. The Maverick immediately jumps ahead in economy, boasting a 38 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 combined MPG—a substantial 9 MPG difference that translates to big savings over the long run. However, the Forester counters with a standard All-Wheel Drive system, appealing to those facing tough weather. Size-wise, the Maverick is significantly longer at 199.8 inches versus the Forester's 183.3 inches, which might mean tighter parking for the Maverick, though both are similarly wide. While the Maverick packs 191 hp, the Forester offers a more traditional SUV feel starting at $29,995 versus the Maverick's $28,145 base price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 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 needing the reassurance of standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

Enthusiasts will likely lean toward the Maverick's higher 191 horsepower output, despite the Forester offering more torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick offers better overall value by having a lower starting MSRP of $28,145 and significantly better fuel economy.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You live in an area that requires consistent traction, given the standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer the Forester's more balanced power delivery, boasting 178 lb-ft of torque.
You need a slightly more upright stance, as the Forester measures 68.1 inches tall versus the Maverick's 68.8 inches.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Prioritizing fuel costs is key, as the Maverick achieves 42 MPG in the city.
You prefer the lowest entry cost, with an MSRP starting at $28,145.
You want the slightly stronger engine output of 191 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.3 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	55.4 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	Subaru	Ford
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	54.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R H	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

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 Forester and 2026 Ford Maverick.

How much better is the fuel economy between the Forester and the Maverick?

The difference is significant; the 2026 Ford Maverick achieves 38 combined MPG, while the 2025 Subaru Forester manages 29 combined MPG. That 9 MPG advantage means you'll spend notably less time and money at the pump with the Maverick.

Does either vehicle come standard with AWD for bad weather driving?

Yes, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is a major advantage for handling snow or slippery roads. The 2026 Ford Maverick comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

What is the difference in size or exterior footprint?

The Ford Maverick is longer, measuring 199.8 inches compared to the Forester's 183.3 inches. In terms of height, they are very close, with the Forester at 68.1 inches and the Maverick at 68.8 inches.

How do the base horsepower and torque numbers compare?

The 2026 Ford Maverick offers slightly more peak horsepower at 191 hp compared to the Forester’s 180 hp. However, the Forester has more low-end pull, generating 178 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.

Is there a big price difference between the two base models?

Yes, the 2026 Ford Maverick has a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $28,145. The 2025 Subaru Forester begins slightly higher, listed at $29,995.

What transmission types do these vehicles use?

The 2025 Subaru Forester uses a traditional continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Ford Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission.