VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
260hp @ 5600
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
277lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
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. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Ascent uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $40,795 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.
Specification
Ford ExplorerST-Line RWD 2026 - From $45,155
Subaru AscentPremium 8-Passenger 2026 - From $40,795
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
260hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
277lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
26mpg
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
4449lbs
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
—
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Explorer
Value
Ascent
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Ascent
Lower starting price ($40,795)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Ascent?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Ascent gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer 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 Ascent?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Ascent delivers 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Ascent?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Ascent from $40,795. The Ascent is cheaper by $4,360 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.