Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Subaru Forester Limited 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

--

2017 Ford Escape Review by THE BEST SELLING CROSSOVER
2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
2017 Ford Explorer UNBOXING Review - Why Even Bother With A BMW X5?
2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 L Ecoboost 4-Cylinder Review
2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 L Ecoboost 4-Cylinder Review
Ultimate 2020 Ford Explorer Review & Drive | DETAILED
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST Is A Three-Row Hot Hatch With One Surprising Flaw!
2020 Ford Explorer - Is the ST's performance worth the price?
Subaru Forester vs. Nissan X-Trail - AutoWeek Dubbeltest
Was It Worth All This Work? // Subaru Forester Retrofit Ver 2.0
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester the BEST compact AWD SUV to BUY?
This is the Most Important Step! // Ceramic Coating My Forester XT
Subaru Forester DriveTime Review with Steve Hammes,
Subaru Forester Off Road - Snowbaruing February 2015
2022 Subaru Forester SUV review
Euro NCAP Crash & Safety Tests of Subaru Forester 2019
Make: 
Average Price: 
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
$
31,095
Updated: 
26 Oct 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2020
Total Seating: 
7
5
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
16.60gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Ice silver metallic
#AAAAAA
Crystal white pearl
#FEFEFE
Dark blue pearl
#1A2539
Crystal black silica
#000000
Dark gray metallic
#7D7D7D

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

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

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

The Forester was all new for 2019, so Subaru hasn't made many changes for 2020; however, there are a few new features that buyers might find interesting. The standard adaptive cruise control system gains a lane-centering feature, the tire-pressure monitor now displays the pressure in each tire, an LED lamp illuminates the license plate on all models, and a rear-seat reminder alerts the driver to check the back seat upon exiting the vehicle if the rear doors were opened prior to the start of the trip. Premium models now come standard with the contents of last year's All-Weather package—heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and a windshield wiper de-icer—and touring models get LED cargo-area dome lights.

Pros
Good at most everything that matters to crossover buyers, spacious cabin, relaxed ride and handling.

Cons
Lethargic acceleration, uninspired design, few luxuries come standard.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2020 Subaru Forester comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.New lane centering function added to list of standard driving aids.All-Weather package now standard on Premium models.

Pros
Standard all-wheel drive
A full complement of driver assist features is standard
Enhanced off-road capability thanks to better-than-average ground clearance
Generous cargo capacity

Cons
Engine is underpowered
Modest tow rating limits maximum utility

By: 
edmunds.com

It looks visually similar to the last model, so has enough changed to entice buyers into the all-new Subaru Forester?

Pros
Loaded with safety and convenience features
Ultra-wide passenger door opening aperture
Full-time all-wheel drive system
Fuel efficient four-cylinder petrol engine

Cons
Archaic three-year warranty
12,500km service intervals
Higher starting price

By: 
caradvice.com.au

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
26.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
33.00mpg
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
176ft-lbs
at 4 400rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
182hp
at 5 800rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
40.00Feet

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
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
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals
Keyless Ignition
Leather Steering Wheel
Electric Power Steering

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
182.10in
Width: 
78.90in
71.50in
Height: 
71.00in
68.10in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
8.70in
Front Track: 
61.60in
Rear Track: 
61.80in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
105.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
40.20
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
37.70
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
43.30in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
39.40in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
54.10in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
58.20in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
53.60in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
57.20in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
70.90cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
1500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
33.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
22.90degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
24.60degrees
Curb Weight: 
4901.00lbs
3542.00lbs

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
Heated mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-Free Entry

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
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Bucket Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
4 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
Cloth
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Reclining Rear Seats
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
Turn Signal In Mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
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
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
USB Connection
6 Total Speakers
4 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
18 X 7.0 In
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55

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
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
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
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Post-Collision Safety System
Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
Turn Signal Mirrors
LED Headlamp

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Reverse Automatic Braking + Multimedia Plus Audio + Harman Kardon Amplifier And Speakers + Power Rear Tailgate
Standard Model
Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Reverse Automatic Braking + Multimedia Plus Audio
Popular Package #2
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Body Side Molding - Crystal White Pearl
Door Edge Guards - Crystal Black Silica
Door Edge Guards - Dark Blue Pearl
Wheel Locks - Alloy
Body Side Molding - Dark Grey Metallic
Door Edge Guards - Crystal White Pearl
Door Scuff Protector
Body Side Molding - Crystal Black Silica
Door Edge Guards - Ice Silver Metallic
Splash Guards
Body Side Molding - Dark Blue Pearl
Sport Grille - Black
Rear Bumper Cover
Door Edge Guards - Dark Grey Metallic
Body Side Molding - Ice Silver Metallic
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
Auto-Dimming Mirror W/Compass And Homelink
Rear Seat Back Protector
Rockford Fosgate Audio Upgrade
Cargo Net
Side Sill Plates - Front
Auto-Dimming Mirror W/Compass
Sunshade
Interior & Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror W/Approach Lighting
Footwell Illumination Kit
Interior & Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror W/ Homelink & Approach Lighting
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror W/Approach Light
All-Weather Floor Liners

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
Gray, cloth
#B1ADAA