Comparison - Ford Explorer Platinum 2018 - vs - Subaru Forester Premium 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Make: 
Average Price: 
53,940
Updated: 
17 Feb 2018
26,437
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2018
2017
Total Seating: 
7
5
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
no
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
15.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Crystal Black Silica
#3D393A
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Dark Gray Metallic
#333333
Ice Silver Metallic
#686672
Jasmine Green Metallic
#777581
Quartz Blue Pearl
#365890
Venetian Red Pearl
#882A3A

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2018 Ford Explorer ranked #9 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 68 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Large cargo area behind third-row seat
Meaty twin-turbo V6 available
High predicted reliability rating

Cons
Seats aren't as comfy or roomy as some
Thirsty engines
Feels massive to drive

By: 
usnews.com

The Explorer receives only minor changes for 2018, with subtle styling tweaks at the front and rear, an integrated 4G LTE hotspot and revised feature availability.

PROS
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

CONS
Legroom in the third row is subpar
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2018 Ford Explorer has pulled off a graceful transition from clumsy off-roader to genteel family wagon.

Pros
A utility player, in the classic sense
Very good handling
Better fuel economy ratings
Improved infotainment, now with 4G LTE
Lovely Sport tuning

Cons
The EPA’s optimistic with those turbo ratings
Platinum content, platinum prices
Second-row seat needs padding, less tilt
Third-row seat needs more of everything

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Subaru Forester ranks 8 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Subaru Forester offers one of the lowest starting prices in the class, a competitive list of features, and the rarity of standard all-wheel drive. These make it a triple threat in the highly competitive compact SUV class.

Pros
Highest cargo capacity in the class
Roomy back seats
Standard all-wheel drive
Lots of available safety features

Cons
Bland interior styling
Below-average fuel economy

By: 
usnews.com

One of the best small SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Forester is a good value, with remarkable interior volume, thrifty fuel economy, and top safety scores.
The Subaru Forester is a compact utility vehicle with wagon-like practicality and standard all-wheel drive. It has the capabilities of a crossover, the ride and handling of a car, and plenty of all-weather security and even off-road capability.

Pros
Good ride, enjoyable driving
Top-notch safety scores, systems
Spacious cabin with super visibility
Among the best CVTs around
Turbo adds speedy performance

Cons
Shift paddles only on turbo
No manual offered with turbo
Priciest models not all that premium

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Forester receives numerous updates, starting with wider feature availability, additional noise insulation and quicker steering response. The enhanced EyeSight safety system now has lane departure intervention and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Automatic high-beam headlight control is newly available, as are adaptive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking. Styling revisions include new headlights and taillights, plus a freshened grille and front end.

Pros
Airy interior with plenty of room for adults in both seating rows
Impressive fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive crossover
Optional turbocharged engine provides spirited acceleration
Above-average off-road ability

Cons
CVT may seem less responsive and refined than a traditional automatic
Doesn't feel as sporty around turns as some rivals
Cabin design and materials aren't especially noteworthy
Maximum tow rating isn't particularly robust

By: 
edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
26.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
32.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
16
Cylinders: 
6
V
4
Flat
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
2.50L
Torque: 
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
174ft-lbs
at 4 100rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
170hp
at 5 800rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
39.80Feet
34.80Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
no
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
no
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
driver assisted parking assist
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
adaptive cruise control
Adjustable pedals
Keyless Ignition
electrochromatic inside rearview mirror

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
180.90in
Width: 
78.90in
70.70in
Height: 
71.00in
68.20in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
8.70in
Front Track: 
67.00in
Rear Track: 
67.00in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
103.90in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
40.00
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
37.50
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
43.00in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
38.00in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
53.90in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
57.00in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
53.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
56.50in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
68.50cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
1500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
31.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
23.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
25.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4458.00lbs

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: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
hands-free entry
Heated mirrors
2 one-touch power windows

Seats

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

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: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
no
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
500 Watts Stereo Output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
6 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
USB connection

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Intermittent rear wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Power glass sunroof
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
17 x 7.0
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Temporary spare tire
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
Null spare wheel
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60

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: 
Front ventilated 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: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
no
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
no
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Pre-Collision Safety System
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Turn signal mirrors
Security System Shock Sensor
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Post-collision safety system
Remote anti-theft alarm system

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 600A
Rugged Package #1
All-Weather Package + EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Power Rear Gate
Popular Package #1A
Protection Package #1
Standard Model - 2.5i Premium CVT
All-Weather Package
All-Weather Package + EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Popular Package #2A
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
20" Premium Painted Machined Aluminum Wheels
Splash Guards
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Wheel Lock Kit (Alloy Wheels)
Body Side Molding Kit Ice Silver Metallic
Wheel Arch Moldings
Exhaust Tip
Body Side Molding Kit Dark Gray Metallic
Fog Lamp Kit - Gray Interior
Door Edge Guard Crystal Black Silica
Door Edge Guard Ice Silver Metallic
Door Edge Guard Crystal White Pearl
Door Edge Guard Jasmine Green
Splash Guards
Rear Bumper Cover
Door Edge Guard Quartz Blue Pearl
Door Edge Guard Venetian Red Pearl
Front Bumper Underguard
Cross Bar Set - Aero
Sport Grille
Trailer Hitch
Body Side Molding Kit Jasmine Green
Door Edge Guard Dark Gray Metallic
Rear Bumper Underguard
Body Side Molding Kit Venetian Red
Body Side Molding Kit Crystal Black Silica
Body Side Molding Kit Quartz Blue Pearl
Fog Lamp Kit - Black Interior
Body Side Molding Kit Crystal White Pearl
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console
Cargo Tray
Compartment Separator
Cargo Net Rear Seat Back
Sunshade
Cargo Cover (Power Rear Gate)
Cargo Net Side
Interior & Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror w/ Homelink & Approach Lighting
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass
Exterior Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Approach Lighting
Cargo Net Rear
Tweeter Kit
Rear Seat Back Protector
110 Power Outlet Kit
All-Weather Floor Mats
STI Leather Shift Knob CVT
Cargo Cover (Manual Rear Gate)
Footwell Illumination Kit - Blue
Kicker Audio Upgrade Package
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass and Homelink
Exterior Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Approach Lighting & Blind Spot Detection
Speaker Kit
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass and Homelink for Eyesight Models
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass for Eyesight Models
Interior & Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror w/Approach Lighting

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
Black, cloth
#343436
Gray, cloth
#A9A6A3