2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar design with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique and appealing aesthetic. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim featuring matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims offered larger, machine-finished options. Inside, the top-trim model impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru, which typically focuses on capability over luxury.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design with a refreshed front end, enhancing its rugged appearance. The rear featured new LED taillights and a trim strip connecting them, adding to its modern look. The interior saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials and design making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the available trims from eight to four, including the new base Active trim, sporty ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and performance-focused ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505. During a test drive event, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages showcased its stylish design and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo engine provided a better driving experience, with the CVT mimicking eight gears effectively. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines. Most trims had a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST and optional Platinum trims featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with optional 4WD. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and optional performance brakes, offering a delightful driving experience on various terrains.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space was 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate were available on higher trims. The Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured comfortable heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added amenities like ambient lighting and a power-folding third-row seat. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.8 cubic feet total. The Explorer's interior was practical, with useful storage solutions and a wireless smartphone charger.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern technology. The Touring trim included a CD player, while most trims had USB-C and USB-A ports. The 11.6-inch infotainment screen was standard on higher trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available wirelessly from the Premium trim. The Harman Kardon audio system was standard on most trims, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrumentation. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and app downloads available. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the Platinum and ST trims featuring a 14-speaker setup for superior audio quality.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims, with additional safety features on the Touring trim.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, offering advanced driver-assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims included BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer had not been fully rated by the NHTSA, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.