DecodedCarsFord Explorer vs Subaru Outback
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Subaru Outback — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Subaru Outback is more fuel-efficient: 27 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $300 a year less in fuel for the Subaru Outback (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Ford Explorer is the bigger car, about 7 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Outback has had fewer recall campaigns (15 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 Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 192 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,966 lb (4dr Wagon Limited/Wilderness/Premier).
Buying used? The 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Outback have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Explorer and the 2019 Outback.
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 more room (7 in longer)
Choose the Subaru Outback if…
- You want lower fuel bills (27 vs 24 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (7 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (15 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 Outback
Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Subaru Outback specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →