Hicks Family Subaru
Two SUVs, one big decision! Compare the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer and discover which three-row SUV offers the best fit for your family’s next adventure.
When shopping for a spacious three-row SUV, the Subaru Ascent vs. Ford Explorer is a comparison that many families find themselves making. Each has its own personality. The Ascent leans into Subaru’s outdoorsy, safety-first ethos with standard all-wheel drive and rugged capability, while the Explorer takes a sportier approach with a wider stance and available high-powered engines.
Learn more about the Ascent and Explorer to choose the best ride for your family.
When comparing the Ford Explorer vs. Subaru Ascent, both provide generous space for passengers and cargo. However, each model has a slightly different approach to maximizing room.
The Subaru Ascent offers impressive interior space, comfortably seating up to eight passengers across three rows. The well-designed cabin features easy access to the third row, with the second-row seats sliding forward effortlessly for quick entry.
Built with families in mind, the Ascent prioritizes comfort for everyone, including taller passengers who will appreciate the spacious third row. Plus, with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, there’s plenty of room for groceries, gear, or even a family picnic.
The Ford Explorer seats seven passengers and provides a bit more room for cargo behind the third row, offering up to 18.2 cubic feet. While the Explorer’s third row is spacious, it’s worth noting that the Ascent’s more intuitive seating system allows for easier access to the back row, making it more family-friendly for those frequently climbing in and out of the vehicle.
Modern families demand easy-to-use tech, and neither SUV disappoints. The Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer both come equipped with modern infotainment systems, ensuring everyone stays connected and entertained on the go.
The Subaru Ascent features an impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, so you can stream your favorite playlists or get directions without skipping a beat. If you have kids, you’ll appreciate the available Cabin Connect feature, which lets you communicate with passengers in the back rows through the vehicle’s audio system.
The Ford Explorer boasts a 13.2-inch touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features a wireless charging pad and a 10-speaker sound system to keep the family entertained on long drives. If you opt for the higher trims, you can get a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system—perfect for road trip karaoke.
If you’re the type of family that likes to bring the boat, camper, or trailer along for the ride, towing capacity is a must-have feature.
The Subaru Ascent has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, the Ascent is a great choice for hauling a trailer or small boat. It’s also worth noting that the Ascent includes Trailer Stability Assist as standard, which helps keep the SUV and trailer steady in windy conditions. And because every Ascent comes with AWD, it provides confident traction when pulling a load on slick roads or uphill—something an Explorer owner would need to add optional 4WD to match.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer, by contrast, comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it a bit more punch off the line. And with its higher maximum towing capacity of around 5,300-5,600 pounds, it’s ideal for those who need a little more muscle for towing larger toys, like bigger campers or boats.
Safety is a top priority for family SUVs, and both Subaru and Ford have you covered with advanced features.
The Subaru Ascent has built its reputation on safety and comes standard with the Subaru EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, and more. Subaru’s focus on safety has also paid off in crash tests, earning top marks, including a 5-Star overall rating from NHTSA. Ascents also offer available blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking to help bring safety top of mind for you and your family.
The Ford Explorer has a strong set of safety tech under the Ford Co-Pilot360™ umbrella. Standard features on most Explorer trims include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-keeping system, and a rear sensing backup camera. Ford’s higher-tier tech options also go a step further. For example, the aforementioned BlueCruise system allows hands-free driving on approved highways, which can reduce fatigue on long road trips.
So, which one should you choose? Both options offer incredible space, comfort, and features, but the best one for you depends on your priorities.
If you’re shopping for a spacious SUV that puts comfort, safety, and capability first, the Subaru Ascent is worth a serious look. With standard AWD, advanced driver assistance features, and a roomy third row, it’s perfect for growing families and long road trips. Visit Hicks Family Subaru today and take the Ascent for a test drive—you’ll feel the difference right away.
