VS
At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5500
375hp
Torque
415lb-ft @ 3500
—
Fuel
22 mpg est.
—
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
—
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Trailseeker is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Trailseeker produces 375hp. Pricing starts at $56,905 for the Explorer and $39,995 for the Trailseeker. 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.
Specification
Ford ExplorerST 4WD 2026 - From $56,905
Subaru TrailseekerPremium AWD 2026 - From $39,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
400hp @ 5500
375hp
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 3500
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
—
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
1
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.2gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
190.8in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.2in
Height (in)
69.8in
65.9in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4766lbs
4465lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Trailseeker
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Subaru Trailseeker
Lower starting price ($39,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Trailseeker?
The Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Trailseeker delivers 375hp. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Trailseeker?
The Explorer starts from $56,905 and the Trailseeker from $39,995. The Trailseeker is cheaper by $16,910 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Trailseeker?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Trailseeker can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Trailseeker?
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.