Suv face-off: subaru ascent vs ford explorer – uncovering the hidden differences
What To Know
- In terms of comfort, the Ascent features standard cloth seats with optional leather upholstery, while the Explorer offers a wider range of seating options, including leather, heated, and ventilated seats.
- Both the Ascent and Explorer have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the Explorer received a Top Safety Pick award.
When it comes to spacious and versatile three-row SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer ample seating, advanced features, and impressive capabilities, making them ideal for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
Performance and Handling
The Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer offer distinct driving experiences. The Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain provides ample acceleration and smooth shifting, making it suitable for both daily driving and highway cruising.
The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, offers a wider range of engine options. The base model features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while higher trim levels offer a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque or a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer’s powerful engines and responsive handling make it a more engaging choice for spirited driving.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Ascent and Explorer boast spacious interiors with three rows of seating. The Ascent offers slightly more legroom and headroom in all three rows, providing ample space for adults and children alike. The Explorer, however, has a more generous cargo capacity behind the third row, making it better suited for hauling bulky items.
In terms of comfort, the Ascent features standard cloth seats with optional leather upholstery, while the Explorer offers a wider range of seating options, including leather, heated, and ventilated seats. Both vehicles provide a comfortable and quiet ride, with ample sound insulation to minimize road noise.
Technology and Features
The Ascent and Explorer come well-equipped with a suite of advanced technologies. The Ascent features Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offers a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The Explorer matches the Ascent’s safety features with its Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes similar technologies. It also boasts a larger infotainment screen, a premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad. Additionally, the Explorer offers a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.
Off-Road Capabilities
While both the Ascent and Explorer are primarily designed for on-road use, they offer varying degrees of off-road capability. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction in all conditions. It also has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, making it suitable for light off-roading.
The Explorer offers a more advanced Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to select different driving modes for specific off-road conditions. It also has a higher ground clearance of 8.9 inches and an optional all-wheel drive system with a locking rear differential, making it more capable in rough terrain.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Ascent and Explorer have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the Explorer received a Top Safety Pick award.
In terms of reliability, Subaru has a long-standing reputation for producing vehicles with high reliability ratings. However, the Explorer has also performed well in recent reliability surveys, making it a competitive choice in this area.
The Bottom Line: A Difficult Choice
Choosing between the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, comfort, and off-road capability, the Ascent is an excellent choice. However, if you desire more powerful engine options, advanced technologies, and better cargo capacity, the Explorer is a compelling alternative. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both vehicles and experience their unique strengths firsthand.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Ford Explorer offers more powerful engine options, including a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.
2. Which vehicle has more cargo space?
The Ford Explorer has a more generous cargo capacity behind the third row, making it better suited for hauling bulky items.
3. Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
Both the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the Ascent earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
4. Which vehicle is more reliable?
Subaru has a long-standing reputation for producing vehicles with high reliability ratings, but the Ford Explorer has also performed well in recent reliability surveys.
5. Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
The Ford Explorer offers a more advanced Terrain Management System and a higher ground clearance, making it more capable in rough terrain.