Joseph Weaver Are you in the market for a new SUV but are struggling to decide between the Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer? All three SUVs have their strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these three popular models so you can make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Outback is a rugged and reliable crossover that is great for off-roading and has impressive fuel efficiency.
- The Toyota Highlander is known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and smooth ride.
- The Ford Explorer is a powerful SUV with a towing capacity of up to 5,600 lbs and a spacious third row of seats.
Subaru Outback
🚙 The Subaru Outback is a rugged and reliable crossover that has been popular with outdoor enthusiasts for years. It has a spacious interior, all-wheel drive, and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for those who want an SUV that can handle any terrain.
🌲 One of the key features of the Outback is its off-road capabilities. It has standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to navigate through rough terrain. Additionally, the Outback has X-Mode, which optimizes engine output and transmission ratios to improve traction on slippery surfaces.
🔋 The Outback’s fuel efficiency is also impressive, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. This is due to the standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and efficient BOXER engine.
🚗 However, the Outback’s performance may not be as powerful as some other SUVs. Its base engine produces 182 horsepower, which may not be enough for those who want a more sporty or powerful ride.
Toyota Highlander
🚙 The Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and smooth ride. It has a comfortable and quiet cabin, making it a great choice for families or those who want a more luxurious ride.
🎓 The Highlander also has advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also has a standard rearview camera, which is helpful when backing up.
🚗 The Highlander’s performance may not be as rugged as the Outback, but it still has a V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
💺 The Highlander’s interior is also spacious, with seating for up to eight people. It has a third row of seats that can fold flat to provide additional cargo space when needed.
Ford Explorer
🚙 The Ford Explorer is a powerful SUV with a towing capacity of up to 5,600 lbs. It has a spacious interior and a powerful engine, making it a great choice for those who want an SUV that can handle heavy loads.
👨👩👧👦 The Explorer also has a spacious third row of seats, making it a great choice for families or those who need extra seating. It has a standard rearview camera, as well as advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
🏋️♂️ The Explorer’s performance is also impressive, with a base engine that produces 300 horsepower. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides a smooth and powerful ride, and can tow up to 5,600 lbs when properly equipped.
🔋 However, the Explorer’s fuel efficiency may not be as impressive as the Outback’s. It has an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city, which may be lower than some other SUVs in its class.
FAQ
Which SUV is the most fuel efficient?
The Subaru Outback is the most fuel efficient of the three SUVs, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.
Which SUV has the most towing capacity?
The Ford Explorer has the most towing capacity of the three SUVs, able to tow up to 5,600 lbs when properly equipped.
Which SUV has the most advanced safety features?
The Toyota Highlander has the most advanced safety features of the three SUVs, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning.
Which SUV is the most spacious?
The Toyota Highlander is the most spacious of the three SUVs, with seating for up to eight people and a third row of seats that can fold flat to provide additional cargo space.
Which SUV is the best for off-roading?
The Subaru Outback is the best for off-roading, with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It also has X-Mode, which optimizes engine output and transmission ratios to improve traction on slippery surfaces.
Conclusion
In summary, the Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer are all great SUVs that have their strengths and weaknesses. The Outback is the most fuel efficient and best for off-roading, while the Highlander has the most advanced safety features and is the most spacious. The Explorer has the most towing capacity and is the most powerful. Consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing between these three popular SUVs.
