Comparison - Ford Explorer Limited 2016 - vs - Subaru Outback 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

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2016 Ford Explorer Limited - Review, Walkaround
2016 Ford Explorer - Review and Road Test
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2016 Ford Explorer Test Drive review by CarNichiWa.com
2017 Ford Explorer Platinum Review In 4K / AutoVlog
2020 Ford Explorer - Review & Road Test
2016 Ford Explorer Crash Test (Side Crash)
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited the ULTIMATE 3-row SUV?
2017 Subaru Outback Review, Walk-around, test drive, Features
2017 Subaru Outback walkaround review and test drive
2017 Subaru Outback: Review, test drive, Features
Ultimate Comparison: 2017 Subaru Outback vs Forester
Is a NEW Subaru Outback Premium a BETTER buy than a Forester Limited?
Subaru Outback тепер TURBO
2017 Subaru Outback - Walk-around
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT First Off-Road Adventure
Make: 
Average Price: 
41,300
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
28,298
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2016
2017
Total Seating: 
7
5
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
18.50gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#29424F
Ingot Silver Metallic
#B3B8B6
Oxford White
#D0D3D5
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#95333C
Shadow Black
#0C0C0C
Color: 
Carbide Gray Metallic
#505666
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Ice Silver Metallic
#B7B8C5
Lapis Blue Pearl
#294989
Tungsten Metallic
#BAB690
Twilight Blue Metallic
#566B99
Venetian Red Pearl
#8D1111
Wilderness Green Metallic
#97A497

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

There are vehicles roughly in the same ballpark as the 2017 Subaru Outback, but nothing plays the same position. The Outback is a midsize wagon with standard all-wheel drive and about the same ground clearance as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's definitely an alternative choice but also checks so many practical boxes that it's a must-drive for anyone looking for a reasonably priced crossover SUV.

The Outback has the interior space of midsize models such as the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento, but its lower roof makes it easier to load gear, and its higher ground clearance gets it over rocks and through deep snow without a snag. The Outback holds similar advantages over smaller SUVs including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester, with the further benefit of greater comfort and refinement. And with fuel economy rated at 28 mpg combined (with the four-cylinder) and 22 mpg combined (six-cylinder), the Outback offers good efficiency for its size and purpose. If you like wagons, the 2017 Outback offers a just-right mix of attributes that could make your vehicle search a one-stop affair.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback gets a new, snazzier Touring model that trades some utility for added style. The Outback's excellent safety credentials are further burnished with the addition of reverse automatic braking and automatic high beams to the well-regarded Eyesight suite of accident avoidance tech.

Pros
More spacious and comfortable cabin than many of its competitors
Roof and cargo loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs
Excellent visibility in all directions
Off-road ability is above average

Cons
Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback two-row midsize crossover features exclusive all-wheel drive, two engine options, and six trim levels.

The 2017 Subaru Outback features a new, top-of-the-line trim Touring Trim model, adding exterior and interior enhancements, as well as an updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite.

The Subaru Outback crossover adds a new range-topping model to the lineup, featuring a dark gray grille, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish with dark gray accents, along with silver-finish roof rails, lower body side cladding, and Outback badges in a chrome finish. Subaru has also adds Brilliant Brown to its list of exterior color options.

Inside, the new Touring model adds a new Java Brown perforated leather trim with contrasting ivory stitching on the seats, door panels, and armrests. It also features a unique woodgrain trim with piano-black panel accents. Standard features on the newest edition to the Outback lineup include a heated steering wheel and the automaker’s StarLink infotainment system on a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation.

Power for all 2017 Subaru Outback models comes from a 175-hp 2.5-liter flat-four that delivers 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a CVT with a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Pros
New Touring trim level
Comfortable, high-quality interior
Good fuel economy

Cons
Engine computer takes time to shift from using paddle shifters to Drive
Navigation screen subject to glare
2.5 models could be quicker

By: 
motortrend.com

Subaru enjoys a reputation for off road-capable cars, but I still managed to get the 2017 Outback stuck in the snow. Although its crossover SUVs still come standard with all-wheel-drive, Subaru made some changes to its drivetrains over the past couple of years, such as replacing gearboxes with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and adding what it calls X-Mode, a traction control and throttle program designed for slippery surfaces.

Amongst five-passenger crossover SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Outback stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and unique culture around the brand. Advanced safety is on par with competitors, but dashboard electronics lag the market a little. The new Touring trim gives the Outback premium style.

The Outback vies with the Forester for the top sales spot in Subaru's line-up, achieving success with its crossover functionality, giving it a high riding position, seating for five and useful cargo space. Subaru reliability and standard all-wheel drive are points in its favor. This practical car serves well as a family vehicle.

Pros
Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make the 2017 Subaru Outback more capable than the typical crossover SUV, and its EyeSight system adds collision prevention. The new Touring trim brings premium cabin appointments.

Cons
Buyers will have to wait another model year or two for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The adaptive cruise control feature, enabled by the EyeSight system, brakes a little too abruptly when approaching stopped traffic.

By: 
cnet.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback ranking is based on its score within the Wagons category. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

The 2017 Subaru Outback has class-leading cargo capacity, excellent passenger space, and a well-built, durable cabin that makes it a good fit for families on the go

The Outback’s intuitive standard features, like an easy-to-use infotainment system and a rearview camera, make it an attractive choice. You can also opt for all the latest advanced safety technologies so you can feel confident and protected every time you go for a drive.

The Subaru Outback combines the comfortable cabin and composed handling of a car with the country-road readiness of an SUV. It will be a great wagon to take you to your next camp site, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and generous cargo room. Still, if you spend most of your time around town, you might be better off with the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The Honda CR-V is another option worth a look since it has more features and an even larger cargo area than the Outback

Pros
Roomy interior and back seat
Best-in-class cargo capacity
Good capability on slippery roads

Cons
Underpowered base engine

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Flexible
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
17.00mpg
25.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
24.00mpg
32.00mpg
Engine type: 
Flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV)
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
16
Cylinders: 
6
V
4
Flat
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
2.50L
Torque: 
255ft-lbs
at 4 000rpm
174ft-lbs
at 4 000rpm
Horsepower: 
290hp
at 6 500rpm
175hp
at 5 800rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.90Feet
36.10Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Adjustable pedals
Electric power steering

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.10in
189.60in
Width: 
78.90in
72.40in
Height: 
70.40in
66.50in
Ground Clearance: 
7.90in
8.70in
Front Track: 
67.00in
Rear Track: 
67.00in
Wheel Base: 
112.60in
108.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
40.80
Rear Head Room: 
40.50
38.90
Front Leg Room: 
43.10in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
39.80in
38.10in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
55.50in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.30in
58.10in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.70in
55.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
57.30in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
80.70cu.ft
73.30cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
2700lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
35.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
20.30degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.30degrees
Curb Weight: 
4629.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
no

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
no
yes
More Power Features: 
Digital keypad power door locks
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Multi-level heating passenger seat
6 -way power passenger seat
Passenger seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Leather
Height adjustable driver seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Bucket front seats
Cloth
Height adjustable driver seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Manual folding split-bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
no
no
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirro
Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors
Three zone climate control
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
Memory card slot
USB connection
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
1 subwoofer(s)
390 watts stereo output
Sony premium brand stereo system
Sony premium brand speakers
Mast antenna
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
12 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
STARLINK Multimedia
7-inch high-resolution touch screen
576-watt-equivalent amplifier

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Roof rack
Rear window wiper
Privacy glass
Variable intermittent wipers
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20
17 x 7.0
Wheels more: 
Painted alloy wheels
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
no
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
no
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
Rear height adjustable headrests
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 302A
Equipment Group 300A
Equipment Group 301A
Standard Model - 2.5i
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit
Power Liftgate
License Plate Bracket
Dual Panel Moonroof
Rear Bumper Protector
20-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels w/P255/50R20 A/S BSW Tires
Roof Rack Crossbars
Splash Guards
Interior Options: 
Smokers Kit w/Element
2nd Row Captain's Chairs
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrest
Rear Retractable Cargo Shade
2nd Row Console
Voice Activated Navigation System
All-Weather Floor Mats

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#817E70
Color: 
Slate Black Cloth, cloth
#29292B
Warm Ivory Cloth, cloth
#8C867E