2020 Subaru Ascent VS 2020 Ford Explorer: Which is the Superior Mid-Size SUV?

If you are in the market for a new mid-size SUV, the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer are two popular options that you may have come across. Both vehicles provide advanced features and impressive performance, but which one is bigger? In this article, we will compare the technical specifications and features of the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer to help you decide which one is the superior mid-size SUV.

Overview of the 2020 Subaru Ascent and 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer are both mid-size SUVs that come with advanced features and powerful performance. The 2020 Subaru Ascent is an eight-passenger vehicle that comes standard with all-wheel drive. It has a spacious interior, impressive towing capacity, and advanced safety features. On the other hand, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a stylish seven-passenger SUV that has a roomy interior, an improved infotainment system, and a hybrid powertrain option.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Let’s compare the technical specifications of both vehicles to determine which is bigger:

Exterior Dimensions:

Model Length Width Height Wheelbase
2020 Subaru Ascent 196.8 inches 76 inches 71.6-72.4 inches 113.8 inches
2020 Ford Explorer 198.8 inches 78.9 inches 69.9 inches 119.1 inches

From the table, we can see that the 2020 Ford Explorer is slightly bigger than the 2020 Subaru Ascent in terms of length, width, and wheelbase. However, the 2020 Subaru Ascent has a higher height than the 2020 Ford Explorer.

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Interior Dimensions:

Model Headroom (Front/Rear) Legroom (Front/Rear) Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) Hip Room (Front/Rear)
2020 Subaru Ascent 41.3/40 inches 42.2/38.6 inches 61.1/60.3 inches 57.2/57 inches
2020 Ford Explorer 40.7/40.5 inches 43/39 inches 61.8/61.9 inches 59.2/59.1 inches

In terms of interior dimensions, both the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer offer spacious cabins, but the 2020 Subaru Ascent has slightly more headroom and hip room for its passengers, while the 2020 Ford Explorer has more legroom and shoulder room.

Engine Power:

Model Engine Type Horsepower Torque
2020 Subaru Ascent 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine 260 hp 277 lb-ft
2020 Ford Explorer 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine 300 hp 310 lb-ft

The 2020 Ford Explorer has a slightly more powerful engine than the 2020 Subaru Ascent, with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2020 Subaru Ascent’s 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Efficiency:

Model MPG (City/Hwy) Fuel Tank Capacity
2020 Subaru Ascent 20/27 19.3 gallons
2020 Ford Explorer 20/27 19.2 gallons

Both the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer have the same fuel efficiency, with an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. However, the 2020 Subaru Ascent has a slightly bigger fuel tank capacity, at 19.3 gallons compared to the 2020 Ford Explorer’s 19.2 gallons.

Towing Capacity:

Model Towing Capacity
2020 Subaru Ascent 5000 lbs
2020 Ford Explorer 5300 lbs

The 2020 Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the 2020 Subaru Ascent, with a maximum towing capacity of 5300 lbs compared to the 2020 Subaru Ascent’s 5000 lbs.

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Safety Features:

Both the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer come packed with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Design and Features Comparison

Both the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer have impressive designs and features that set them apart from other mid-size SUVs:

2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent has a sleek and modern exterior design with stylish LED headlights and a bold front grille. It also comes with advanced features such as:

  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance package
  • 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • High-quality sound system

2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer has a rugged and sporty exterior design with a modern front grille and eye-catching LED headlights. Its features include:

  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance package
  • 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • High-quality sound system

Which One Should You Buy?

Both the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer are impressive mid-size SUVs that offer advanced features and powerful performance. However, the 2020 Ford Explorer has slightly more engine power, towing capacity, and legroom, while the 2020 Subaru Ascent has a higher ground clearance, more headroom and hip room, and a slightly better fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the 2020 Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the 2020 Ford Explorer offers a hybrid powertrain option.

Ultimately, the decision between the two vehicles depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize towing capacity and legroom, the 2020 Ford Explorer may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a vehicle with all-wheel drive, a higher ground clearance, and more headroom and hip room, the 2020 Subaru Ascent may be a better option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the 2020 Subaru Ascent or the 2020 Ford Explorer?

A: Both vehicles have the same fuel efficiency, with an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

Q: Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent come standard with all-wheel drive?

A: Yes, the 2020 Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity, the 2020 Subaru Ascent or the 2020 Ford Explorer?

A: The 2020 Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the 2020 Subaru Ascent, with a maximum towing capacity of 5300 lbs compared to the 2020 Subaru Ascent’s 5000 lbs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Ford Explorer are both exceptional mid-size SUVs that offer advanced features and powerful performance. After comparing their technical specifications and features, we can see that the 2020 Ford Explorer is slightly bigger than the 2020 Subaru Ascent in terms of exterior dimensions and has a more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity. However, the 2020 Subaru Ascent has a higher ground clearance, more headroom and hip room, and better fuel efficiency. Your purchasing decision depends on your personal preferences and needs, but both vehicles are worth considering for their advanced features and impressive performance.

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Alton Brobst

As a longtime Subaru enthusiast, Alton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our blog. From his early days of tinkering with engines to his current role as a certified Subaru technician, Alton has seen it all when it comes to Subarus. When he's not working on cars, he enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors.

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