Rugged reliability showdown: subaru forester vs ford ranger – who’s the true off-road master?
What To Know
- The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,111 pounds, making it more suitable for smaller loads.
- The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Ranger gets 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger have excellent safety ratings, but the Forester has a slight edge with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
When it comes to compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a combination of versatility, ruggedness, and comfort, making them ideal for a wide range of drivers. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Subaru Forester against the Ford Ranger to determine which vehicle emerges as the superior choice.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Subaru Forester offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While the Ranger has a clear advantage in terms of power, the Forester’s standard all-wheel drive system provides superior traction and handling in adverse weather conditions.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If towing and payload capacity are important factors for you, the Ford Ranger takes the lead. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds, the Ranger is capable of hauling heavy loads with ease. The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,111 pounds, making it more suitable for smaller loads.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger offer spacious and comfortable cabins. The Forester features a well-designed interior with ample legroom and headroom for all occupants. It also comes standard with a variety of amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, and a sunroof. The Ranger’s interior is equally spacious, but it feels less refined than the Forester’s. However, it offers more storage space and features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Forester has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Ranger has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features on both vehicles include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Off-Road Capabilities
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle off-road adventures, the Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger are both capable choices. The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Ranger offers an optional four-wheel drive system and a ground clearance of 8.9 inches. Both vehicles are equipped with traction control systems and hill descent control to improve their off-road performance.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the Ford Ranger. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Ranger gets 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. However, it’s important to note that the Ranger’s higher towing capacity and payload capacity may result in lower fuel economy in real-world driving conditions.
Value and Pricing
The Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger are priced similarly, with base models starting at around $25,000. However, the Ranger offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, while the Forester comes with superior fuel efficiency and a more refined interior. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger are both excellent compact SUVs, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, comfortable, and capable of handling off-road adventures, the Subaru Forester is a great choice. If you need a vehicle with more towing and payload capacity, the Ford Ranger is the better option.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Ranger have excellent safety ratings, but the Forester has a slight edge with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Subaru Forester is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Ranger, getting an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Ranger has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Forester, with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester’s 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.