2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Ford Explorer and 2019 Subaru Ascent contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
When we compare the 2019 Ford Explorer's and the 2019 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The 2019 Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Ford Explorer's and the 2019 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Explorer ranges from $17,697 to $30,996 while a used 2019 Subaru Ascent is priced between $19,484 to $30,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2019 Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Ascent retains 3.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the 2019 Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. This gives the 2019 Subaru Ascent the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2019 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,365
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,021
Price Range:
$17,697 - $30,996
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
721
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
77,311
# Good or Great Deals:
314
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,282
Price Range:
$19,484 - $30,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
323
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
76,154
# Good or Great Deals:
169
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Ascent
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
19.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
2019 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
405 / 521 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
86.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4430 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Blue
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Stone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Slate Black
