2024 Subaru Ascent vs 2024 Ford Explorer

SUVs seem to be the perfect go-to vehicle for active families. American car buyers have an insatiable appetite for SUVs, whether they are compact crossovers, mid-sized crossovers, or full-sized SUVs.

Both of the SUV models we take a look at in this article, tick plenty of boxes when considering all the roles a modern family passenger vehicle has to fill. 

Continue reading as we take a closer look at what each SUV model offers prospective buyers. 

2024 Subaru Ascent

A relatively new nameplate on the US market compared to the Ford Explorer, the Subaru mid-size crossover Ascent was first seen in 2018 and continues with some refreshes for 2024. 

Available as a seven- or eight-seater, the Ascent is the largest vehicle ever manufactured by Subaru and is manufactured right here in the USA. 

With a small refresh seen in 2023, the Subaru Ascent gets a few updates for this 2024 model year, and buyers are spoilt for choice with a wide selection of eight trims:

• Base eight-passenger
• Premium eight-passenger
• Premium seven-passenger
• Onyx Edition seven-passenger
• Limited eight-passenger
• Limited seven-passenger
• Onyx Edition Limited seven-passenger 
• Touring seven passenger

2024 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer name has been around some 27 years longer than the Subaru Ascent and was first seen in 1991. Fast forward to 2024, and now in its sixth generation, the mid-size Ford Explorer crossover SUV continues to offer fans of the blue oval brand a solid value proposition.

For 2024 the Ford continues pretty much as is from some styling changes seen in 2023. A facelift was recently released but these changes are expected only for the 2025 model year. Just like the Subaru, the Ford has eight trims on offer for 2024:

• Explorer BaseExplorer XT
• Explorer ST line
• Explore Timberline
• Explorer Limited
• Explorer ST
• Explorer King Ranch
• Explorer Platinum

Powertrains

Subaru has stuck to a single-engine offering for the lineup. The 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder DOHC engine makes 260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm, along with a useful torque output of 277 pounds per foot @ 2,000 - 4,800 rpm. 

The standard transmission with this engine is a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) coupled with the standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Subaru off-road X mode.

The maximum tow rating for the 2024 Subaru Ascent is 5,000 pounds.

Ford offers a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in the Base, XLT, and Limited trims while those drivers with a penchant for faster driving will do well to choose the King Ranch, Platinum, or ST trims that are fitted with a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop Technology.

The Explorer is built on the standard rear-wheel-drive platform, with an all-wheel drive optional. 

A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across all trims.

Explorer models fitted with the 2.3 liter powertrain can tow a maximum of 5,300 pounds and the beefier V6 models are able to tug along up to 5,600 pounds.

Exterior Design

The 2024 Ascent's last refresh brought a revised front end with standout features like LED headlights and a revised front grille in gloss black and chrome. The overall design of the Ascent shows off modern, contoured lines set off with stylish accents.

Standard fitment of raised roof rails is convenient for loading of sports equipment like snow skis and canoes.

All trims feature body-colored door handles, and a power moonroof is optional for upper trims.

Alloy wheels across all trims feature geometric designs, with the base model fitted with 18 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels, going up in size to 20 x 7.5 inches on top trims.

The Ascent sports some useful off-road credentials with its standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2024 Ford Explorer is available in eight color choices, and the SUV's rugged good looks show off strong bold body lines with key features such as the bold hexagonal front grille, automatic LED high and low-beam headlamps and LED taillights. A power liftgate is standard on all trims along with the second, third-row and liftgate privacy glass.

All trims besides the Base trim are available with a dual-panel moonroof plus numerous upgrades, including cargo boxes and bike holders.

18-inch five-spoke Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels are fitted on the two lower trims, with bigger rim sizes up to 21 inches available on the balance of the trims lineup.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Subaru's roomy cabin, with its three rows of seats, offers cloth upholstery on the base model along with an ivory carbon fiber-patterned accent trim. Upper trims offer luxurious features such as leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a memory driver's seat, a power-adjustable passenger seat and a leather steering wheel.

Seating is up to eight passengers, and the Ascent is available with second-row captain's chairs.

A standard 11.6-inch touchscreen features large on-screen icons, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are on offer.

Cargo volume measures 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row, growing to 75.6 cubic feet with the first row of seats folded down and the third row seats are split 60/40 to assist loading of longer items.

The Ford's cabin is both functional and comfortable, seating up to eight passengers, with easy access to the last row thanks to a mechanism that, at the touch of a button, moves the second-row seat out of the way. Key highlights include an automatic climate control system, large door map pockets and power windows.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety and Driver Aids

The Subaru EyeSight safety suite is standard on all Ascent trims along with active vehicle dynamics control and a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system. Further safety equipment includes; emergency brake assist and tire pressure monitoring. 

Standard driver aids are:

• Forward-collision warning system 
• Automated emergency braking, 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Lane-departure warning 
• Lane-keeping assist

The Explorer is well equipped with safety equipment like the four wheel disc brakes and anti skid braking plus plentiful standard driver aids. 

All trims are standard with features such as, automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, cross-traffic and blind-spot warning alerts, and automatic high beams.

Find your 2024 Subaru Ascent at Granite Subaru

Granite Subaru Dealership, located in Hudson, NH, is ready to meet all your motoring needs. We offer an extensive selection of both new and pre-owned Subaru cars and SUVs.

Book a test drive with our dedicated Subaru team and experience all that the 2024 Subaru Ascent has to offer buyers looking for a capable family vehicle.