Ford Explorer Vs Ascent: Which Suv Powers Your Family’s Adventures?

In the realm of three-row SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent stand tall as two formidable contenders, each promising adventure, versatility, and family-friendly features. But which one emerges as the ultimate choice? Join us as we delve into the depths of their capabilities, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Performance and Power: Unleashing the Beasts

1. Engine Options:

• Ford Explorer: Unleashing raw power with its robust 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and 3.3L Hybrid V6 powertrains, the Explorer delivers a thrilling driving experience.
• Subaru Ascent: Embracing efficiency, the Ascent’s sole 2.4L turbocharged boxer engine offers a smooth and capable performance, prioritizing fuel economy.

2. Towing and Payload:

• Ford Explorer: With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,800 lbs, the Explorer muscles its way through heavy-duty tasks.
• Subaru Ascent: While not as robust, the Ascent’s towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs and payload capacity of up to 1,750 lbs still make it a capable hauler.

3. Fuel Efficiency:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s fuel economy varies depending on the chosen powertrain, with the Hybrid V6 offering the best mileage of up to 28 mpg combined.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s single powertrain delivers a consistent fuel efficiency of up to 21 mpg combined, prioritizing eco-consciousness.

Interior and Comfort: Embracing Family Adventures

1. Seating and Space:

• Ford Explorer: With three rows of seating, the Explorer offers ample room for up to seven passengers, ensuring a comfortable journey for all.
• Subaru Ascent: Boasting three rows of seating as well, the Ascent accommodates up to eight passengers, providing exceptional flexibility for larger families.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• Ford Explorer: Behind the third row, the Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent offers a generous 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, increasing to a cavernous 86.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

3. Features and Amenities:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer pampers its occupants with features like heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system, enhancing the overall driving experience.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent matches the Explorer’s comfort level with heated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a top-notch infotainment system, ensuring a pleasant journey for all.

Safety and Technology: Ensuring Peace of Mind

1. Safety Features:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer boasts an array of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, providing a comprehensive safety net.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent counters with its EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking, offering a robust safety shield.

2. Technology and Connectivity:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, with its intuitive interface and smartphone integration, keeps you connected and entertained on the go.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s Starlink infotainment system, with its large touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, ensures seamless connectivity and access to your favorite apps.

Off-Road Prowess: Embarking on Rugged Adventures

1. Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s available intelligent four-wheel drive system, with its Terrain Management System, provides exceptional traction and control in various off-road conditions.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system, renowned for its stability and grip, tackles off-road terrains with confidence.

2. Ground Clearance:

• Ford Explorer: With a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, the Explorer navigates rough terrains with ease, ensuring a smooth ride over obstacles.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches matches the Explorer’s, providing similar capabilities in tackling off-road challenges.

3. Approach and Departure Angles:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s approach and departure angles of 20.3 degrees and 23.2 degrees, respectively, allow it to conquer steep inclines and descents with confidence.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s approach and departure angles of 18.9 degrees and 22.9 degrees, respectively, while slightly less aggressive, still provide respectable off-road capabilities.

Price and Value: Unveiling the Best Bang for Your Buck

1. Starting Price:

• Ford Explorer: With a starting price of around $33,500, the Explorer offers a competitive entry point for those seeking a capable and versatile SUV.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s starting price of around $33,000 undercuts the Explorer’s, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.

2. Trim Levels and Options:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a wide range of trim levels and optional packages, allowing buyers to customize their SUV to their specific needs and preferences.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s trim levels and options are more limited compared to the Explorer, but it still provides a respectable selection of features and configurations.

3. Resale Value:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer holds its value well over time, making it a smart investment for those planning to sell or trade in the future.
• Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s resale value is also strong, although it may not be as high as the Explorer’s due to its shorter track record in the market.

Verdict: Choosing the Ideal SUV for Your Lifestyle

After a thorough comparison, the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent emerge as compelling choices in the three-row SUV segment. The Explorer impresses with its powerful engine options, robust towing and payload capacities, and a plethora of safety and technology features. It excels in off-road adventures with its intelligent four-wheel drive system and generous ground clearance. However, its fuel economy may not be as impressive as the Ascent’s.

On the other hand, the Subaru Ascent offers a more fuel-efficient powertrain, a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Its standard all-wheel drive system provides capable off-road performance, although it may not be as extreme as the Explorer’s. The Ascent’s lower starting price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize power, towing capabilities, and off-road prowess, the Explorer is your ideal pick. If fuel efficiency, affordability, and a spacious interior are your top priorities, the Ascent is the way to go. Both SUVs offer exceptional value and will serve families and adventure enthusiasts well.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Explorer or Ascent?

• The Ascent’s single powertrain delivers better fuel economy compared to the Explorer’s various powertrain options.

2. Can the Explorer tow more than the Ascent?

• Yes, the Explorer’s maximum towing capacity is higher than the Ascent’s, allowing it to handle heavier loads.

3. Which SUV has more cargo space, the Explorer or Ascent?

• The Ascent offers slightly more cargo space behind the third row and with the second and third rows folded down compared to the Explorer.

4. Does the Explorer come with more safety features than the Ascent?

• Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Explorer may have a slight edge in terms of the number of available features.

5. Which SUV has a lower starting price, the Explorer or Ascent?

• The Ascent has a lower starting price compared to the Explorer, making it a more affordable option.

6. Is the Explorer better for off-roading than the Ascent?

• The Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance give it an advantage in off-road situations compared to the Ascent’s standard all-wheel drive system.