2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Review

Picture of the 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $39,855 to $56,260
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Outback

2025 Subaru
Outback

MSRP*: $29,010 to $42,910
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MPG - City Info not available 21 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 26 - 32 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 75.6 ft3
Engine
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 182 - 260 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs 2,700 - 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 191.3 - 191.9 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 74.2 - 74.6 in
Leg Room Front 42.9 - 43.0 in
Rear 38.3 - 39.0 in
Front 42.8 in
Rear 39.5 in
Head Room Front 38.9 - 40.7 in
Rear 38.2 - 40.5 in
Front 39.1 - 40.1 in
Rear 39.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Ford Explorer offers a bit more room for passengers in the back seat than the Subaru Outback. The Ford Explorer will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Subaru Outback.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Ford Explorer is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Outback.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Explorer is much wider than the Subaru Outback, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Ford Explorer, which is slightly longer than the Subaru Outback.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Ford Explorer is clearly the choice over the Subaru Outback for pulling heavy loads. The Ford Explorer has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Outback.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Ford Explorer transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Outback.

Utility
The Ford Explorer offers greater seating capacity than the Subaru Outback, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around.