VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Towing
5000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
2.5 L/152cc
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 300hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $41,595 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)
300hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
183.3in
Width (in)
78.9in
72in
Height (in)
69.6in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
3664lbs
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
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
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($41,595)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Forester?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Forester?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Forester from $41,595. The Forester is cheaper by $3,560 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.