Epic Showdown: Ford Explorer Vs Subaru Forester – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- It gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, compared to the Explorer’s 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Explorer is the better choice for drivers who want a powerful and capable SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
- If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV with a long list of standard safety features, the Subaru Forester is a great choice.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two of the most popular options are the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester. Both vehicles offer plenty of space, features, and capability. However, there are also some key differences between the two SUVs that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester in terms of their performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, safety features, and price. We’ll also provide our recommendation on which SUV is the better choice for different types of drivers.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester offer different engine options, so shoppers can choose the one that best suits their needs. The Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Forester, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
In terms of performance, the Explorer has the clear advantage. It’s faster and more powerful than the Forester, and it can tow more weight (5,300 pounds vs. 3,500 pounds). However, the Forester is more fuel-efficient. It gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, compared to the Explorer’s 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space: Room for Passengers and Cargo
Both the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The Explorer has a slightly larger interior than the Forester, with 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space and 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The Forester has 143.7 cubic feet of passenger space and 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats.
Both SUVs offer comfortable seating for up to five adults. The Explorer’s front seats are more supportive than the Forester’s, but the Forester’s rear seats are more spacious. Both SUVs also offer plenty of cargo space, but the Explorer has a slight edge in this area.
Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Family
The Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Explorer also comes standard with a rearview camera, while the Forester comes standard with a blind-spot monitoring system.
Both SUVs have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Forester received a four-star overall safety rating. The Explorer also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the Forester received a Top Safety Pick award.
Price: Value for Your Money
The Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester are both priced competitively. The Explorer starts at $33,250, while the Forester starts at $24,995. However, the Explorer offers more standard features than the Forester, so shoppers may want to consider this when making their decision.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester are both great choices for midsize SUV shoppers. The Explorer is the better choice for drivers who want a powerful and capable SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The Forester is the better choice for drivers who want a fuel-efficient SUV with a long list of standard safety features.
Summary: Making the Right Choice for Your Driving Needs
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and capable SUV with plenty of space, the Ford Explorer is a great choice. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV with a long list of standard safety features, the Subaru Forester is a great choice.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Forester?
A: The Subaru Forester has better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, compared to the Explorer’s 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Forester?
A: The Ford Explorer has more cargo space than the Subaru Forester. The Explorer has 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, compared to the Forester’s 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Q: Which SUV has a higher safety rating, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Forester?
A: The Ford Explorer has a higher safety rating than the Subaru Forester. The Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Forester received a four-star overall safety rating. The Explorer also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the Forester received a Top Safety Pick award.
