Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback
Overview | |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$34,995 |
Listings246 | Listings817 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Reviews SummaryThe redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback may look like an SUV, but it retains all the advantages of its wagon predecessors. It's as impressive off-road as it is comfortable on pavement, while numerous feature enhancements are clear indications that Subaru pays close attention to how its customers use their vehicles. Verdict: In terms of price, performance, and practicality, we found no notable flaws with the redesigned Outback, making it a top choice for adventure-bound shoppers. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space34.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight3741 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height67.5 in |
Length198.7 in | Length191.7 in |
Width89.3 in | Width82.9 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase108.1 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2700 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity1000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $38,465 | $34,995 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | The redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback may look like an SUV, but it retains all the advantages of its wagon predecessors. It's as impressive off-road as it is comfortable on pavement, while numerous feature enhancements are clear indications that Subaru pays close attention to how its customers use their vehicles. Verdict: In terms of price, performance, and practicality, we found no notable flaws with the redesigned Outback, making it a top choice for adventure-bound shoppers. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Drive Train | RWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.5L 180 hp H4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 3741 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 67.5 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 191.7 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 82.9 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 108.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 2700 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 1000 lbs |
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