2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Ford Explorer
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Ascent was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Explorer also scored 7.5 out of 10. Both vehicles offered unique strengths in different areas ranging from off-road prowess and practical design with the Subaru Ascent, to powerful performance capabilities and advanced technology in the Ford Explorer. Based on these ratings, if towing capacity, advanced tech, and a myriad of engine choices appeal to you, the 2021 Ford Explorer might be the better option. Conversely, if you prioritize safety features, off-road capabilities, and cargo efficiency, the 2020 Subaru Ascent stands out. Ultimately, either vehicle could be a great choice depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You require substantial towing capacity and various powerful engine options.
- Technological advancements and diverse infotainment systems interest you.
- You appreciate extensive advanced safety features across various trims.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You value advanced off-road capabilities and a smooth freeway driving experience.
- Practical interior storage solutions and versatile cargo space are important to you.
- You want comprehensive safety features packaged with excellent crash-test ratings.
Overview | |
MSRP$31,995 | MSRP$32,925 |
Average price$26,548 | Average price$31,310 |
Listings460 | Listings5016 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryLove might be what makes a Subaru a Subaru, as the automaker’s advertising has long claimed, but it's also what has traditionally made people outgrow Subarus. Subaru tried building a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV once before, but quirky design and a strange name flattened the B9 Tribeca’s tires before they got a decent chance to roll down the road. With the 2020 Ascent, however, Subaru has a family-size SUV for existing and would-be customers who need extra space for people, pets, and cargo. And while the Ascent is loaded with compelling details and thoughtful features, flaws might limit its appeal strictly to the Subaru faithful. | |
2021 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThere was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | |
No video found | |
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
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Ascent was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Explorer also scored 7.5 out of 10. Both vehicles offered unique strengths in different areas ranging from off-road prowess and practical design with the Subaru Ascent, to powerful performance capabilities and advanced technology in the Ford Explorer. Based on these ratings, if towing capacity, advanced tech, and a myriad of engine choices appeal to you, the 2021 Ford Explorer might be the better option. Conversely, if you prioritize safety features, off-road capabilities, and cargo efficiency, the 2020 Subaru Ascent stands out. Ultimately, either vehicle could be a great choice depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You require substantial towing capacity and various powerful engine options.
- Technological advancements and diverse infotainment systems interest you.
- You appreciate extensive advanced safety features across various trims.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You value advanced off-road capabilities and a smooth freeway driving experience.
- Practical interior storage solutions and versatile cargo space are important to you.
- You want comprehensive safety features packaged with excellent crash-test ratings.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,995 | $32,925 |
Average price | $26,548 | $31,310 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.9 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Love might be what makes a Subaru a Subaru, as the automaker’s advertising has long claimed, but it's also what has traditionally made people outgrow Subarus. Subaru tried building a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV once before, but quirky design and a strange name flattened the B9 Tribeca’s tires before they got a decent chance to roll down the road. With the 2020 Ascent, however, Subaru has a family-size SUV for existing and would-be customers who need extra space for people, pets, and cargo. And while the Ascent is loaded with compelling details and thoughtful features, flaws might limit its appeal strictly to the Subaru faithful. | There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? |
Video | No video found | |
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.