VS
At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
415lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
22 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Explorer returns 22 mpg est. while the Forester uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $56,905 for the Explorer and $36,105 for the Forester. 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)
400hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.2gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
183.3in
Width (in)
78.9in
72in
Height (in)
69.8in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4766lbs
3611lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
1500lbs
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
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($36,105)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Forester?
The Explorer gets 22 mpg est. and the Forester gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Forester?
The Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Forester?
The Explorer starts from $56,905 and the Forester from $36,105. The Forester is cheaper by $20,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Forester?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Forester?
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.