Ford Edge vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Edge and Subaru Forester 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 Ford Edge and the Subaru Forester.
When comparing the Ford Edge's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Ford Edge has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Edge's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Edge ranges from $23,192 to $39,631 while a used 2024 Subaru Forester is priced between $28,099 to $37,995. For a new model, the Ford Edge's price is between $30,240 and $46,121, with the Subaru Forester priced between $35,104 and $39,908.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Edge loses 56.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 19.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Edge.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Edge is 7.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Edge being ranked 24 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Edge is 7.8 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Edge.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Edge’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Edge is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Edge. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Edge, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Edge and the Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Forester has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30240 - 46121
Starting MSRP:
38465
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37575
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
35104 - 39908
Starting MSRP:
27095
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27882
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23860 - 30300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29167
Price Range:
23192 - 39631
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
40450
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
29167 - 55624
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3849
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
29065
# Good or Great Deals:
1189
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
32995
Price Range:
28099 - 37995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
28186
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23350 - 32995
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
848
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
16728
# Good or Great Deals:
393
Ford Edge Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Edge
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.7 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.183
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
8.6 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.798312832749213
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 31.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.72845230153751
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.6
Ford Edge Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 17Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 32Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 56Ranking
67 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Summary Review
Ford’s two-row Edge offers Ford fans a second midsize crossover SUV choice. The Edge is larger than the Escape but smaller than the Explorer. Many might say it is “right-sized.”
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent Performance ST trim
- Impressive safety tech on newer models
- Perfect balance of manageable exterior size and roomy interior
- No green (hybrid/electric) trim available
- Overdue for a full redesign
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Edge Trim Levels
SE, SEL, ST, ST-Line, Titanium
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
275 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
389 / 518 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 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):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.5 inches
Cargo Space:
39.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
153.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4126 lbs
Width:
85.8 inches
Height:
68.3 inches
Length:
188.8 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Atlas Blue / Stone Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Cascade Green Silica
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Dune
Black
Ebony
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
