The Ford Explorer is a dependable family SUV that can easily handle the demands of daily driving and the trail. Let's look more closely at how this highly popular SUV does against the Subaru Outback in this family vehicle comparison.
Key Takeaways:
- The trail-ready Tremor trim debuts in the Explorer lineup.
- When parked, the Explorer gives you access to Google Play for streaming video content, playing digital games, and surfing the web.
- The Subaru Outback gets a full overhaul for 2026.
The updates for the 2026 Explorer center around the all-new Tremor trim. Built to handle rougher trails, it has an elevated suspension, a rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, and 18-inch wheels. Aside from the Tremor's introduction, the models in the Explorer are the same as they were in the previous model year. Trim pricing is:
- Active: $40,260
- ST-Line: $46,950
- Tremor: $50,760
- Platinum: $52,760
- ST: $56,700
The Subaru Outback gets a top-to-bottom redesign this year. Along with fresh two-row SUV styling, the cabin gets a modern makeover with updated aesthetics and infotainment tech. Pricing for the Outback trims is as follows:
- Premium: $34,995
- Limited: $41,715
- Touring: $45,395
- Wilderness: $44,995
- Limited XT: $44,365
- Touring XT: $47,995
Explorer and Outback Engine Choices
The Explorer's standard 300-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serves as the engine for the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims, while the sport-tuned ST model features a 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (you also have the option of adding it to the Platinum trim). A 10-speed automatic mates to the lineup with standard RWD or optional AWD.
The Outback also gives buyers a choice: a standard 180-hp 2.5-liter or a stronger 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged option (standard on Wilderness trims and optional on XT models). Both engines mate with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Powertrains
| 2026 Ford Explorer |
2026 Subaru Outback |
| Standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder; available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
Standard 2.5-liter; available 2.4-liter turbo |
| 10-speed automatic |
CVT |
| Standard RWD; available AWD |
AWD |
Which SUV Has Greater Towing Abilities?
When equipped with the Class III Towing package, the Explorer has a max towing limit of 5,000 pounds. The Outback pulls up to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine option. The Explorer easily wins this round!
Creature Comforts in the Explorer vs. Outback
The Explorer scores big points for comfort thanks to its updated soft-touch materials, modern color configurations, and clean dash layout from last year's refresh. While the third row is best for kids or small adults, sliding second-row seats makes accessing those seats easy.
The Outback's premium materials border a dual-panel digital gauge and infotainment setup. Physical climate buttons and a digital readout sit right below the main screen. Subaru also raised the Outback's flat roofline by two inches, creating more headroom for passengers, especially in the back. Cargo room also grows, adding two extra cubic feet of space behind the seats.
Connectivity and Infotainment in the Explorer and Outback
Every Explorer trim features Ford's Digital Experience on a 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in Google and Amazon apps. When the SUV is in park, passengers can stream movies, play games, or browse the internet via Google Play.
The Outback has a 12.1-inch infotainment display and adds a convenient quick-access menu bar at the top of the touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard here, as is a cloud-connected voice recognition system.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer Better Than the 2026 Subaru Outback?
While the Subaru Outback has a fresh look, the Ford Explorer wins out for active families with its superior towing capacity and flexible three-row seating, making it the ultimate road trip machine. See it today at Brighton Ford!
