2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Ford Explorer
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more well-rounded choice, scoring higher in look and feel, performance, form and function, technology, safety, and cost effectiveness.
Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize powerful engine options and nimble handling, especially on the ST trim.
- You are drawn to the Explorer's refined exterior design and generous cargo space.
- You are willing to invest in the Explorer's higher trims for advanced technology and features, despite potential concerns about pricing.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space and passenger comfort.
- You seek a well-rounded 3-row SUV with a strong focus on safety and driver-assist technologies.
- You are looking for a competitively priced vehicle with a range of trims and features to suit different preferences.
Overview | |
MSRP$31,995 | MSRP$32,765 |
Average price$23,782 | Average price$28,382 |
Listings473 | Listings2901 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2019 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryThere are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must. Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is! Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space? | |
2020 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryFor nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City21 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.8 cu ft | Cargo Space18.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight4430 lbs | Curb Weight4345 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height69.9 in |
Length196.8 in | Length198.8 in |
Width85.7 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1570 lbs | Maximum Payload1425 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more well-rounded choice, scoring higher in look and feel, performance, form and function, technology, safety, and cost effectiveness.
Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize powerful engine options and nimble handling, especially on the ST trim.
- You are drawn to the Explorer's refined exterior design and generous cargo space.
- You are willing to invest in the Explorer's higher trims for advanced technology and features, despite potential concerns about pricing.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space and passenger comfort.
- You seek a well-rounded 3-row SUV with a strong focus on safety and driver-assist technologies.
- You are looking for a competitively priced vehicle with a range of trims and features to suit different preferences.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,995 | $32,765 |
Average price | $23,782 | $28,382 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.4 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must. Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is! Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space? | For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.8 cu ft | 18.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4430 lbs | 4345 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 196.8 in | 198.8 in |
Width | 85.7 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1570 lbs | 1425 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 5300 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.