VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
338hp
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
—
Fuel
24 mpg est.
—
Towing
5000lbs
—
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
—
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Solterra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Solterra produces 338hp. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $45,555 for the Solterra. 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 SolterraTouring XT AWD 2026 - From $45,555
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
338hp
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
1
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
184.6in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.2in
Height (in)
69.6in
65in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4510lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
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
✓ 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
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Solterra
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($45,155)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Solterra
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Solterra?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Solterra delivers 338hp. The Solterra is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Solterra?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Solterra from $45,555, a difference of just $400, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Solterra?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Solterra can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Solterra?
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.