2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The exterior design was practical, prioritizing function over luxury. Inside, the cabin maintained a modern look without sacrificing utility. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, all featuring standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered additional features like a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design. The King Ranch trim featured 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, and LED headlights. Inside, the King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony and numerous King Ranch logos. Despite its luxurious touches, the Expedition had some hard plastic, especially in the lower-level XLT trim. The King Ranch and Platinum trims, priced upwards of $75,000, offered more luxury but still fell short in some areas compared to the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement from the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option, previously available in the 2.0XT trim, left the new Forester with underwhelming acceleration. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance. The SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, offered Intelligent and Sport modes to enhance throttle response. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available in dual-mode on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its lackluster acceleration, the Forester provided a smooth ride and impressive fuel economy, averaging 28.9 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear shifts, and the optional 4WD system offered 9.8 inches of ground clearance. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive damping suspension, standard on the King Ranch, improved ride quality but struggled with impact harshness due to the oversized 22-inch wheels. The independent rear suspension design enhanced ride and handling while maximizing interior space. Fuel economy for the King Ranch with rear-wheel drive averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base trim providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet and other trims offering 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, emphasizing Subaru's "Function First" philosophy. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position with ample legroom and headroom.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs and third-row bench provided first-class accommodations, with the third row offering impressive legroom. The standard-length Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the long-wheelbase Expedition MAX provided 34.3 cubic feet. With the third row folded, the Expedition offered 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 with the MAX) and up to 104.6 cubic feet (121.5 with the MAX) with the second row folded.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch screen in the base and Premium trims and an 8-inch screen in the Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. The system was responsive, intuitive, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. The Lead Vehicle Alert feature provided an audible beep and graphic alert if the vehicle ahead moved and the driver hadn’t noticed.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. While Sync 3 was easy to use, it occasionally lagged in response. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system featured dual screens embedded into the front head restraints. Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a trailer technology, provided a knob on the dashboard to control the trailer's direction while the SUV's steering autonomously adjusted.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Other standard safety features included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The Forester's excellent visibility further enhanced its safety profile.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard equipment. These included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in every test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 4-star rollover resistance rating.