If you’re stuck deciding between the 2025 Subaru Forester vs. Ford Explorer, you’re not alone. Both vehicles have their strengths, and each is great for different types of drivers.
The Subaru Forester is compact, efficient, and perfect for those who love getting off the beaten path. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is larger, more powerful, and offers tons of space, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs that extra towing capacity.
Let’s break down everything you need to know so you can decide which one will work better for you.
Size and Space: A Matter of Personal Preference
When it comes to space, the 2025 Ford Explorer is definitely the better pick if you’re someone who needs room for a larger family or a lot of gear. With three rows of seats, it comfortably fits up to seven passengers, making it perfect for those long road trips or for families who are always on the go.
Even with all the seats occupied, there’s still enough space for plenty of luggage or sporting equipment in the cargo area. If you like to travel in style with room to spare, the Explorer has you covered.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is more compact, which works for some people and might be exactly what you’re looking for. With seating for five, it still offers a comfortable ride, though the third row is missing. For smaller families or people who prefer a bit more maneuverability in the city, the Forester’s smaller size means it’s easier to park and navigate tight spaces.
It also gives you a lot of cargo room for its size, and you can still fit everything you need for a weekend getaway. But if you need that extra seat or cargo space, the Explorer is the way to go.
Power and Performance: Ford’s Muscle Vs. Subaru’s Efficiency
If you’re someone who likes a little muscle behind the wheel, the 2025 Ford Explorer is the SUV for you. With a 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood, it delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Explorer a lot of power for acceleration, climbing steep hills, and towing hefty trailers.
Whether you’re hauling a boat for the weekend or need a car that can pull a camper for a family vacation, the Explorer’s powertrain will get the job done.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is more about efficiency than raw power. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which isn’t as powerful as the Explorer’s, but it’s more than enough for city driving and moderate off-roading.
The Forester’s smaller engine also means better fuel efficiency, and it’s a perfect option if you do a lot of city commuting or want to save on gas. While you won’t be towing much with it, the Forester still handles daily driving and some light off-road adventures with ease. It comes down to whether you prioritize power or fuel economy.
Driving Experience: Versatility in the Explorer, Adventure in the Forester
Behind the wheel, the Ford Explorer offers a smooth, versatile driving experience. Whether you’re driving through city streets, cruising on highways, or even venturing on light trails, the Explorer handles it all with ease.
It’s equipped with various driving modes that let you adjust the handling to match the road conditions, making it a fantastic all-around choice for families who do a mix of everything. The Explorer is comfortable, powerful, and perfect for those who want a bit of everything in their driving experience.
If you’re into more off-road adventures, the 2025 Subaru Forester is the one to consider. Thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and decent ground clearance, the Forester is ready for rough roads, dirt trails, and even some light rock crawling. It’s the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts who like to go hiking, camping, or off-roading on weekends.
The Forester is smaller and nimbler than the Explorer, so it’s easier to maneuver through tight spots, but it can still handle tougher terrain when the road gets a little wild. If your weekends are spent exploring the great outdoors, the Forester will serve you well.
Technology and Features: Ford Brings the Tech, Subaru Keeps It Simple
Both the Ford Explorer and the 2025 Subaru Forester are packed with technology, but Ford really takes the lead when it comes to high-tech features. The Explorer comes with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and Ford’s SYNC 4 system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You’ll find plenty of features designed to make your ride more enjoyable, like available Wi-Fi hotspots, a premium audio system, and a massive infotainment screen. Ford has done a great job making sure all the tech in the Explorer is easy to use and packed with cool features that enhance both convenience and entertainment on the go.
While the Subaru Forester isn’t quite as tech-heavy, it still comes with everything you need to stay connected and safe on the road. The Forester comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru’s Starlink system. It has Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist tech, which includes adaptive cruise control and emergency braking.
For those who want an SUV with solid technology that’s easy to use and gets the job done, the Forester fits the bill. It’s not as flashy as the Explorer, but it’s reliable and straightforward.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind in Both SUVs
Safety is always top of mind for any car buyer, and both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Subaru Forester excel in this department. Subaru’s EyeSight suite is well-known for providing excellent safety features, such as pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
These systems work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe, and Subaru’s reputation for safety is hard to beat. The Forester also earned top marks in crash tests from the IIHS, so you can feel confident knowing you’re driving a reliable and safe vehicle.
The Ford Explorer comes with its own impressive suite of safety tech, including Ford’s Co-Pilot360. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Explorer also has a 360-degree camera system, which gives you an extra layer of visibility when parking or navigating tight spaces.
Both vehicles have earned high ratings for safety, but the Explorer offers a bit more advanced technology to give you extra peace of mind, especially for families with kids or new drivers.
Towing and Utility: Ford Explorer Takes the Lead
When it comes to towing, the Ford Explorer is the clear winner between these two SUVs. With its impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Explorer can handle almost anything you want to tow, whether it’s a trailer, boat, or camper. Whether you’re hauling equipment for work or gearing up for a vacation, the Explorer gives you the capability to tow with confidence.
The Subaru Forester is much smaller and has a max towing capacity of just 1,500 pounds, which is enough for light trailers or bikes but not nearly as powerful as the Explorer when it comes to heavy-duty towing. The Forester is more suited to lighter loads and is ideal for those who don’t need to tow large items regularly. If you need something with more muscle for towing, the Explorer is the obvious choice.
Fuel Efficiency: Subaru Forester Wins on Gas Mileage
If fuel efficiency is a big deal for you, then the 2025 Subaru Forester is the better option. With its smaller engine and efficient design, the Forester delivers a combined fuel economy of 8.2 L/100km. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in its class, so if you’re looking to save on gas, the Forester is a great choice. It’s a solid pick for daily commuters or anyone who drives long distances regularly.
The 2025 Ford Explorer, while still relatively efficient for its size, offers a combined fuel economy of 10.5 L/100km. It’s a little heavier and more powerful, so it uses more fuel than the Forester. While not terrible, its fuel economy isn’t as good as the Forester’s. If saving money at the gas station is your top priority, the Forester will save you more in the long run.
Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the choice between the Subaru Forester vs Ford Explorer comes down to what you need in an SUV. If you’re after more power, space, and towing capacity, the Explorer is the better choice. It’s perfect for larger families, those who like to tow, and anyone who wants a bit more tech and luxury. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something compact, efficient, and capable off-road, the Forester is the way to go. It’s a perfect vehicle for those who love outdoor adventures but don’t need the extra size and power of the Explorer.
At Englewood Ford, we’ve got a wide selection of 2025 Ford Explorer models ready for you to check out. If you’re interested in test-driving the Explorer or learning more about its features, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
