Ford Explorer vs Subaru Crosstrek
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Subaru Crosstrek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 400 | 145 | +175.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 563 | 188 | +199.5% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 8.5 | 15.8 | -46.2% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (JNCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | CVT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $57,200 | $20,592 | +177.8% |
- Ford Explorer makes about 176% more power (400 vs 145 hp).
- Subaru Crosstrek is the more economical, at 15.8 km/L against 8.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Japan); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Explorer or Crosstrek?
Ford Explorer advantages
- Engine power (+64%)
- Pulling torque (+67%)
Subaru Crosstrek advantages
- Fuel economy (+46%)
- Affordability (+64%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Ford Explorer if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Subaru Crosstrek delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Crosstrek: which should you choose?
Ford Explorer (2026 ST AWD) — petrol suv with 400 hp and 563 Nm, rated at 8.5 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $57,200 in the US market.
Subaru Crosstrek (2026 Limited e-Boxer) — hybrid suv with 145 hp and 188 Nm, rated at 15.8 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $20,592 in the Japan market.
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Crosstrek: Ford Explorer is more powerful. Ford Explorer makes about 176% more power (400 vs 145 hp). Subaru Crosstrek is the more economical, at 15.8 km/L against 8.5.
Performance
The Ford Explorer is the more powerful, at 400 hp against 145 hp, with 563 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Subaru Crosstrek is more economical at 15.8 km/L against 8.5 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Ford Explorer is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Subaru Crosstrek 5 stars by JNCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Subaru Crosstrek lists lower at about $20,592 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer better than the Subaru Crosstrek?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Ford Explorer makes about 176% more power (400 vs 145 hp).
What is the main difference between the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Crosstrek?
Ford Explorer makes about 176% more power (400 vs 145 hp). Subaru Crosstrek is the more economical, at 15.8 km/L against 8.5.
Which is better value?
Subaru Crosstrek delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.