2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Outback electrifies the adventurous spirit with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a robust 182 hp, ready for unpaved paths, despite its modest 28 MPG combined. In thrilling contrast, the 2026 Ford Maverick injects immediate, punchy efficiency into the segment, boasting an exceptional 38 MPG combined from its FWD configuration and edging out the Subaru with 191 hp. While the Outback stands slightly more compact at 191.1 inches long, the Maverick commands presence with superior height at 68.8 inches. The Outback's $29,995 starting MSRP is slightly higher than the Maverick's lean $28,145 entry point. Buyers seeking mountain-conquering capability will gravitate toward the Subaru, whereas those prioritizing consistent daily fuel savings will admire the Maverick's massive 10 MPG efficiency advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its outstanding 38 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Outback's 28 MPG.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback offers superior utility with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Maverick's currently unlisted capacity.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick provides 191 hp, giving it a slight edge in peak power over the Outback’s 182 hp rating.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick secures the value win by offering higher horsepower and significantly better fuel economy for a lower base MSRP of $28,145.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You demand standard All-Wheel Drive capability for treacherous weather or off-pavement exploration.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, with a length of 191.1 inches for tighter city parking.
- You need 32.6 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space behind the rear seats for gear storage.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, thanks to its 38 MPG combined rating.
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at only $28,145.
- A mild power advantage, featuring 191 hp, is desired for freeway merging, despite FWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 199.8" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.1" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Ford Maverick.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Outback and 2026 Maverick?
The 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with robust All-Wheel Drive, ensuring balanced traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Maverick utilizes a Front Wheel Drive configuration, which prioritizes efficiency on paved surfaces.
Which vehicle offers significantly better fuel economy for my daily driving?
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the clear efficiency champion, achieving an impressive 38 MPG combined. This is a substantial 10 MPG better than the 2025 Subaru Outback's 28 MPG combined rating.
How do the power outputs compare between these two crossover competitors?
The 2026 Ford Maverick slightly leads in peak output with 191 horsepower, narrowly beating the 2025 Subaru Outback, which produces 182 horsepower.
If I need space for luggage, which vehicle has more capacity?
The 2025 Subaru Outback provides a measurable 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The specific cargo capacity for the 2026 Ford Maverick was not provided for a direct comparison.
What is the price difference when comparing the base models?
The 2026 Ford Maverick starts at a competitive $28,145 MSRP, making it slightly more affordable than the 2025 Subaru Outback, which begins at $29,995.
Does the required fuel type differ between the Outback and Maverick?
Both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Ford Maverick are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, requiring no premium octane.
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