What To Know
- The Subaru Forester is known for its fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- The Ford Explorer, with its larger engine, has a lower fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, while the Explorer earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.
The Subaru Forester and Ford Explorer are two highly regarded midsize SUVs known for their versatility, capability, and adventure-ready spirit. If you’re torn between these two exceptional vehicles, this comprehensive comparison will shed light on their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Capability
Engine Power: The Subaru Forester offers a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, comes with a variety of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In terms of raw power, the Explorer has a significant advantage.
Fuel Economy: The Subaru Forester is known for its fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Ford Explorer, with its larger engine, has a lower fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
All-Wheel Drive: Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Explorer come standard with all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction and stability in all types of weather conditions. However, the Subaru Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is renowned for its superior handling and off-road performance.
Interior and Comfort
Passenger Space: The Subaru Forester offers ample space for up to five passengers, with 39.4 inches of headroom and 43.4 inches of legroom in the front row. The Ford Explorer has a slightly larger interior, with 40.7 inches of headroom and 43.9 inches of legroom in the front row.
Cargo Capacity: The Subaru Forester has a cargo capacity of 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 74.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Ford Explorer offers a more generous cargo capacity of 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, which can be increased to 87.8 cubic feet with all rows folded down.
Technology and Features: Both vehicles come well-equipped with a range of technology and convenience features. The Subaru Forester features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features such as EyeSight. The Ford Explorer offers a larger 12-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system by Bang & Olufsen, and advanced driver-assist features such as Co-Pilot360.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Ratings: Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Explorer have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, while the Explorer earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.
Reliability: The Subaru Forester has a reputation for reliability, with consistently high ratings from J.D. Power and other industry experts. The Ford Explorer has also proven to be a reliable vehicle, but it doesn’t quite match the Forester’s track record.
Off-Road Capability
Ground Clearance: The Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Ford Explorer offers a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.8 inches. Both vehicles are capable of handling light off-road trails, but the Explorer has a slight edge in this regard.
Trail Performance: The Subaru Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, combined with its X-Mode off-road system, provides excellent stability and traction on uneven terrain. The Ford Explorer’s Terrain Management System offers a variety of driving modes tailored for different off-road conditions.
Towing Capacity
The Ford Explorer has a significantly higher towing capacity than the Subaru Forester. The Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, while the Forester’s towing capacity is limited to 1,500 pounds. This makes the Explorer a better choice for towing heavy loads, such as trailers or boats.
Pricing and Value
The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $27,995, while the Ford Explorer starts at $37,470. The Forester offers a more affordable entry point, but the Explorer comes with a wider range of engine and trim options. Ultimately, the best value for money will depend on your specific needs and budget.
In a nutshell: Making the Right Choice
The Subaru Forester and Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs that cater to different sets of buyers. The Forester is a more fuel-efficient and affordable option with superior off-road performance, while the Explorer offers more power, towing capacity, and a spacious interior. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer.
Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer has a slightly more spacious interior than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Explorer have earned excellent safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slightly better reliability record than the Ford Explorer.