In your search for your next best SUV, look at the similarities and differences between the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Subaru Ascent. To get these two narrowed down, we’re going to look at power, size, and features to determine which is best. From what we’ve seen so far, Explorer is going to give you the most for your money out of all three of these options while saving you the gas money you need on an SUV in the process.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Ford has always been known for their expansive engine offerings, and there is no exception when it comes to the Explorer.
- The Explorer offers more control with its better drivetrain but sacrifices fuel economy when compared to theAscent.
- Because of its stronger engines, there is better horsepower and max towing potential on the Explorer.
POWER: THE RELIABLE 2023 EXPLORER
No matter what powertrain you side with the Explorer, you have the advantage over the Ascent. If you side with the Explorer you can expect more horsepower, better towing, and better trailering capacity all around. You can’t go wrong when picking from the Explorer's three engine options, each outdoing the last:
- 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine with 300 horsepower
- 3.3-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine with 318 horsepower
- 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine with 400 horsepower
As far as fuel consumption goes, the first and last engines are inter-cooled turbo, gasoline engines with the second being gasoline/hybrid. This is another key element Explorer has over Ascent, which has no option for a hybrid engine. If prioritizing gas savings is the head of your SUV search, the Explorer has you covered. With the hybrid engine, there is an EPA fuel estimate of 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The Ascent only offers one engine, a 2.4-liter V4 Engine with 260 horsepower. Its gas rating is less than the Explorer’s best with 20 mph in the city and 26 mpg on the highway estimate. With the higher horsepower on the Explorer, you’re also getting a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and a trailering capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Ascent only gets 5,000 and 2,000 pounds, respectively.
WHICH SUV IS BIGGER?
If size is on your priority list, look no further than Explorer once more. Despite the Explorer being a seven-seater and the Ascent an eight-seater, that missing seat space goes toward providing more space to the passengers in the Explorer. If you know that your maximum number of passengers would rarely ever exceed seven people, then it’s best to opt for more room. It has over an inch more shoulder room, leg room, and headroom for passengers and 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the 75.6 cubic feet the Ascent has.
THERE ARE MORE FEATURES IN THE ASCENT, RIGHT? TRY AGAIN.
This is going to come down to what you value most in an SUV. The objective takeaway is that they both share many of the same features across one trim or another. So it’s up to you to pick and choose. In either of these cars, you’ll find their onboard anti-theft system, a trip computer, steering wheel controls, power steering, and mirrors, as well as a backup camera and auto headlights.
The standard features of the basic Explorer include a rear parking aid, remote engine start, remote trunk release, and a power liftgate. These are standard features for the Explorer and aren’t found on the Ascent. The Ascent has standard adaptive cruise control and optional electrochromic rearview mirror, fog lamps, and cargo shade; none of which can be found on any of the Explorer’s trims.