2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Subaru Ascent

2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Ascent
2021 Subaru Ascent
$32,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Ascent
$32,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$32,925

MSRP

$32,295

Average price

$31,347

Average price

$29,757

Listings

5211

Listings

909
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
  • Spacious third row
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • 19 cupholders!
Cons
  • Uninspired styling

2021 Ford Explorer Reviews Summary

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?

2021 Subaru Ascent Reviews Summary

Few automakers have the brand loyalty enjoyed by Subaru—and with good reason. Its cars, wagons, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and provide features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A three-row SUV with all of these benefits seems like a no-brainer, and so the 2021 Subaru Ascent is ideally positioned to differentiate itself from the rest of this family-hauling segment. In addition to its spacious cabin and a long list of standard features, the Ascent gains a few key safety features as newly standard equipment.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

27
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Ascent
2021 Subaru Ascent
$32,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Ascent
$32,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$32,925
$32,295
Average price
$31,347
$29,757
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
5.0
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
  • Spacious third row
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • 19 cupholders!
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
Summary

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?

Few automakers have the brand loyalty enjoyed by Subaru—and with good reason. Its cars, wagons, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and provide features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A three-row SUV with all of these benefits seems like a no-brainer, and so the 2021 Subaru Ascent is ideally positioned to differentiate itself from the rest of this family-hauling segment. In addition to its spacious cabin and a long list of standard features, the Ascent gains a few key safety features as newly standard equipment.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.3L 300 hp I4
2.4L 260 hp H4
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
8
Horsepower
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
21
21
MPG Highway
28
27
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By: CarGurus + AI

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