Subaru Ascent vs. Ford Explorer
The Subaru Ascent vs. the Ford Explorer - See Which Midsize SUV Wins Out in Ferndale
If you're looking for a midsize SUV with plenty of room to shuttle your family around in Detroit, the new Subaru Ascent is a fantastic choice. It seats up to eight people comfortably and has lots of cargo space. The new Ford Explorer is one of our leading competitors, with seating for seven and an even larger cargo hold. Hodges Subaru has a wide range of Ascent trims for sale in Ferndale, MI. Read on to see why the Ascent is a better SUV for Detroit drivers.
Hodges Subaru
21205 Woodward Ave
Ferndale, MI 48220
- Sales: 248-547-8800
- Service: 248-547-8800
- Parts: 248-547-8800
 Performance
Ride Quality
When you've got your SUV loaded up with kids, you need a smooth-riding vehicle to settle your nerves. The Subaru Ascent glides over bumpy streets in Royal Oak on its front strut and rear double-wishbone suspension. Its accurate steering helps it handle like a smaller vehicle.
The Ford Explorer handles well around turns, but rough or uneven pavement can make its ride floaty or unsettled.
Off-Road Capability
The Subaru Ascent comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for solid traction on muddy trails or snow-covered roads near Warren, MI. An available X-Mode traction management system and hill descent control give the Ascent even better off-road proficiency.
The Ford Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is available, but you must pay more to add it. The high-level Ford Explorer Timberline trim performs well off the beaten path, but it is also more expensive.
 Exterior Design
The Subaru Ascent has tall windows and a low beltline. Wavy lines and a smoothly sculpted body give the Ascent a sporty character. Standard roof rails and high ground clearance hint at its off-road skills.
The Ford Explorer looks more like a tall-riding, boxy wagon than it does a midsize SUV. Thick roof pillars and a swept back hood complete its generic SUV appearance.
Interior Design
Cabin Materials
Get inside the Subaru Ascent and you'll be charmed by its abundant soft-touch materials. Dearborn drivers will like the available stain-resistant cloth upholstery for easy cleaning.
The Ford Explorer has a low dash and upright seating that provides great outward visibility. However, its cabin features a number of hard plastics, and there are large panel gaps in some areas.
Passenger Space
The Subaru Ascent seats up to eight people in its three rows of seats. There's lots of room for people in Ferndale to stretch out in its spacious cabin, which has 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume.
The Ford Explorer only seats seven people. Its slightly smaller interior has just 152.7 cubic feet of passenger volume.
Tech Features
Infotainment Amenities
The Subaru Ascent has a touch screen infotainment system with additional physical controls that are easy to access and operate. Detroit drivers will appreciate that it comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability and four USB ports.
The Ford Explorer also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, but it only has two USB ports.
Safety
Neither the Subaru Ascent nor the Ford Explorer have been crash-tested yet by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, since the Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive, it's safer to drive on icy streets in Royal Oak than the Explorer.
Trim Levels
Both the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer come in five trim levels.
Test Drive the Latest 2024 Subaru Ascent at Hodges Subaru
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is a spacious midsize SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride. Stop by Hodges Subaru and take it for a test drive today.
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Hodges Subaru
21205 Woodward Ave
Ferndale, MI 48220
- Sales: 248-547-8800
