2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$38,330 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Subaru Outback lies in power output, with the Explorer boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. This performance gap is reflected in the $3,335 MSRP difference, with the Explorer starting at $38,330 versus the Outback's $34,995. Conversely, the Outback excels in utility and efficiency, achieving a 27 combined MPG rating compared to the Explorer's 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Outback offers more than double the base cargo capacity at 34.6 cubic feet against the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet. While the Explorer features a RWD drivetrain, the Outback standardizes AWD, which appeals to varied driving conditions, making the choice contingent on prioritizing sheer power or maximizing cargo volume and fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Explorer's 24 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback is superior for families because it offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Explorer

Enthusiasts will favor the Explorer for its commanding 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque transmitted via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback presents better baseline value, offering better efficiency and much higher cargo volume for a $3,335 lower MSRP.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You require maximum acceleration, benefiting from the 300 hp engine output.
Rear-wheel drive preference is essential for your driving dynamics.
The larger exterior dimensions (198.8 inches long) are necessary for your garage or parking constraints.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing utility is a priority, given the 34.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prioritize fuel savings, as the Outback achieves 27 combined MPG.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is mandatory for your typical routes.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Subaru Outback
Length	198.8"	191.7"
Width	78.9"	74.0"
Height	69.9"	67.5"
Wheelbase	119.1"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	10-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	12.1 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

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

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 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Subaru Outback.

What is the horsepower and torque difference between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers substantially more power, generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback is rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

How much more cargo space does the Outback offer compared to the Explorer?

The Subaru Outback provides nearly double the cargo capacity, featuring 34.6 cu ft. The Ford Explorer's corresponding capacity is only 16.3 cu ft.

Which vehicle has better fuel economy based on the combined MPG figures?

The Subaru Outback leads in efficiency with a combined rating of 27 MPG (25 city/31 highway). The Ford Explorer is rated lower at 24 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway).

What is the difference in starting price (MSRP) between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Ford Explorer has a higher starting MSRP of $38,330. The 2026 Subaru Outback is priced lower at $34,995, resulting in a $3,335 price differential.

Do these vehicles share the same drivetrain configuration?

No, they utilize different primary drive types. The Explorer is standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) paired to a 10-speed automatic. The Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.