2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of eight models, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty look to the XLT version. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding, but the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials for its price point.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift with a new front end, redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The Onyx Edition, one of six trim levels, became more accessible with a new $33,495 starting price for the non-turbo powertrain. Our test vehicle, the Touring trim with Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, had an MSRP of $41,070. The Touring's interior featured Java Brown leather, contrasting beautifully with the black interior, and light gray contrast stitching on the dashboard. While Subaru used hard plastic for some interior trim, it didn't look or feel inexpensive. The Outback's large infotainment screen and gloss black trim on the center console, however, easily collected dust and smudges.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, achieving up to 27 mpg in combined driving and towing up to 5,000 lbs. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust and capable, handling off-road terrain with ease despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. For daily driving, the Explorer King Ranch felt athletic and engaging, with the sport-tuned Explorer ST offering even more driving excitement.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed engines, known as boxer types, which helped reduce the vehicle's center of gravity for better handling. Our 3,781-pound test vehicle, with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) made good use of the power at lower speeds, but passing and climbing power was limited. The EPA rated the vehicle at 28 mpg in combined driving, but we averaged 25.6 mpg. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, offering better performance but lower fuel efficiency, with most XT models rated at 25 mpg combined. The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic transmission, and every model included an Active Torque Split AWD system. The Outback handled off-road terrain well, with standard models providing 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the Wilderness trim offering 9.5 inches. In city driving, the Outback's excellent visibility and high stance made parking and navigating tight spaces easy. However, the standard engine's lack of power was noticeable, especially at higher speeds and elevations. The Outback's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, and the vehicle handled well on mountain roads.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered plenty of comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was only suitable for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. Our King Ranch test vehicle featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. The Explorer's cabin had limited practical storage space, with missed opportunities for additional storage in the front door armrests and dashboard. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. Our Touring test vehicle had a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a manually-adjustable thigh support bolster, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outboard seats were also heated, and all seats were wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback's interior provided ample legroom and comfort for long drives, though wind noise was noticeable on the highway. The vehicle's high ground clearance made it easy to get in and out of, and the cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The Outback's roof rack was robust and ready for accessories, but the vehicle could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch also included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the voice recognition system was outdated and struggled with basic commands. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the vehicle.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, access to Starlink connected services, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Starlink system was improved for 2023 but still had confusing graphics and colorful icons. The voice recognition system was ineffective, struggling with basic commands. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity to the driver's hands.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the IIHS. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Limited and Touring trims offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial and introduced a numb dead spot on-center. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, causing jarring stops.