VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
260hp @ 5600
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
277lb-ft @ 2000
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
2.4 L/146cc
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Ascent is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Ascent produces 260hp @ 5600. Pricing starts at $38,465 for the Explorer and $51,165 for the Ascent. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
260hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
277lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
2.4 L/146cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
CVT w/OD
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
19.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
196.8in
Width (in)
78.9in
76in
Height (in)
69.6in
71.6in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4590lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($38,465)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Ascent
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Ascent?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Ascent delivers 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Ascent?
The Explorer starts from $38,465 and the Ascent from $51,165. The Explorer is cheaper by $12,700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Ascent?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Ascent can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Ascent?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.