DecodedCarsFord Explorer vs Subaru Ascent
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Subaru Ascent — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient: 24 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $250 a year less in fuel for the Ford Explorer (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Ascent has had fewer recall campaigns (13 vs 105).
The two cars
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,420 lb (Convenience 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Ascent have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Explorer and the 2019 Ascent.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if…
- You want lower fuel bills (24 vs 22 MPG)
Choose the Subaru Ascent if…
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (13 vs 105 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Ford Explorer
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Subaru Ascent
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Subaru Ascent specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →