Let’s Compare the 2025 Ford Explorer to the 2025 Subaru Ascent

These days, almost everybody seems like they want a big—but perhaps not too big—SUV. It is no wonder that the midsize segment is so crowded with options. If this is the type of vehicle you are interested in, you are going to have a big choice on your hands, and we want to help make things easier. This comparison of the 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Subaru Ascent shows exactly how they match up in several key categories, including power, comfort, and technology. The more you know, the better the buying decision that you can make.

Performance & Fuel Economy

One of the hallmarks of the Explorer has always been great power, and the 2025 model is certainly a muscular vehicle. Even if you just go with the base engine, you will get a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that generates 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Want to take things up a few notches? The available twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Ascent can’t match the Explorer when it comes to power. It only has one engine option, and it is a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder that puts out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

The Explorer is a sizable vehicle, but it handles very well and does an excellent job of keeping its composure through sharp turns and curves, particularly if you opt for the ST trim with its sport-tuned suspension. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. This not only enhances driving in the city but also allows this SUV to venture out on rugged terrain for some light off-roading. The Ascent lacks the engagement of the Explorer, and its handling is not as deft. While all-wheel drive comes standard, it does not have any sporty version. As for fuel economy, the 2025 Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined. The best the Ascent can do is 21 MPG combined, which is surprising given its significantly less powerful engine.

Space & Comfort

The Ford Explorer offers a huge amount of space inside. With second-row captain’s chairs, it accommodates six people, and that increases to seven with the available bench seat. All rows—especially the first two—are roomy. The Ascent also has three rows but offers around half an inch less legroom and almost three inches less headroom in the very back. Cargo room is plentiful in the Explorer, with an impressive 85.8 cu.ft. when all of the back seats are folded down. The Ascent can’t compete with these numbers, providing just 75.6 cu.ft. when the rear rows are down.

In addition to its large amount of space, the Explorer was designed to keep all passengers comfortable. All seats are supportive and well-cushioned and come with standard cloth upholstery or available leather. Up front, the driver gets a standard 10-way power-adjustable seat, and the passenger gets a seat with four-way power adjustments. Both seats come with a heating element. The Ascent comes with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, but the front passenger seat is manual on the lower trims.

Technology Features

Ford has always been a tech-focused car company, and the 2025 Explorer is loaded in this area. First, it has an infotainment system that is simple to use. The standard 13.2-inch touchscreen has easy-to-navigate menus and sharp graphics and responds quickly to inputs. There are physical knobs and buttons as well that allow the driver to control the system without solely relying on the touchscreen, and it can also be operated with voice commands. The Explorer will help keep you connected, as it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and eight USB ports. You also will not have to worry about getting lost, as the Ford Digital Experience includes built-in Google Maps and other apps. In addition, it comes with SiriusXM, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and push-button start. Looking for more? You can get HD radio, a 10-speaker or 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless device charging, remote start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is not as tech-savvy as the Explorer. Its infotainment system feels a little antiquated, as the graphics look dated. It is also not very intuitive, and there is an overreliance on using the touchscreen—which measures just 11.6 inches—and this can make things distracting for the driver. While it comes with similar components to the Explorer, it has fewer USB ports and only two sound system options. You also will not get a navigation system in the base model or Google built-in with any trim.

Safety Systems

Safety is another area in which Ford has earned a strong reputation. The Explorer is well-equipped with driver assistance systems that will help keep you and your passengers safe. The standard safety suite of the Ascent, however, is not as comprehensive. The Explorer comes with additional standard features like Driver Alert, which monitors your driving patterns and lets you know if you appear to be getting tired or losing focus. Subaru’s own DriverFocus system is not available on the base trims of the Ascent. Ford also offers both front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors to help you avoid hitting obstacles when parking in tight spaces—Subaru doesn’t offer this feature at all on the Ascent.

Here is something else your Explorer can do that the Ascent cannot: let you drive entirely hands-free on highways! Thanks to BlueCruise, you will be able to take your hands off the wheel and relax more on long drives. This feature functions on 97% of controlled access highways across the US and Canada, totaling over 130,000 miles of roadways, and will let you know with a prompt in the instrument cluster when you are on a compatible road. Simply press a button on the steering wheel, and your Explorer will take over for you. It will even change lanes automatically when it is safe to do so if you tap the turn signal! While you will still need to pay attention to the road and be ready to take over in the case of an emergency, BlueCruise is a major step forward over the traditional adaptive cruise control found on the Subaru Ascent and will take a lot of the stress out of highway driving.

The Ford Explorer Is the Top Choice

In many ways, the Explorer and Ascent are pretty close. But, as legendary baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson once said, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” When it comes to buying a vehicle, close is not good enough—you want to choose something that will meet all of your needs now and in the future. This is why many shoppers go with the Explorer. They know that Ford’s popular midsize SUV comes out on top when it comes to great performance, ample space, and the most advanced tech and safety features. If you want to explore this vehicle for yourself, come down to DePaula Ford. You can see everything it offers and take it out on the road for a test drive. Do you have any questions about this SUV? Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today!