Compare the2023 Ford ExpeditionVS 2023 Subaru Ascent

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages

Safety

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The middle row seatbelts optional on the Expedition inflate when a collision is detected, helping to spread crash forces over a much larger area of the body and limiting head and neck movement. This can help prevent spinal and internal injuries. The Ascent doesn’t offer inflatable seatbelts.

The Expedition has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the Ascent Premium/Limited/Touring offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Expedition has standard Cross Traffic Alert and Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Ascent Premium/Limited/Touring offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the Ascent’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the Expedition and the Ascent have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Ford Expedition weighs 778 to 1202 pounds more than the Subaru Ascent. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Expedition is safer than the Subaru Ascent:

	Expedition	Ascent
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	165	190
Leg Forces (l/r)	23/39 lbs.	159/292 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Stress	155 lbs.	197 lbs.
Neck Compression	74 lbs.	156 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Expedition is safer than the Subaru Ascent:

	Expedition	Ascent
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	23	37
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.5 inches
Hip Force	180 lbs.	274 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	61	81
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	18 inches
HIC	134	149
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	52 G’s
Hip Force	569 lbs.	637 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are almost 5 times as many Ford dealers as there are Subaru dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Expedition’s warranty.

Reliability

The Expedition has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Ascent doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in long-term dependability. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Subaru is rated below average.

Engine

The Expedition’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 120 more horsepower (380 vs. 260) and 193 lbs.-ft. more torque (470 vs. 277) than the Ascent’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Expedition Limited/KR/Platinum’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 140 more horsepower (400 vs. 260) and 203 lbs.-ft. more torque (480 vs. 277) than the Ascent’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Expedition Timberline/Stealth Performance’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 180 more horsepower (440 vs. 260) and 233 lbs.-ft. more torque (510 vs. 277) than the Ascent’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Expedition (base engine) is faster than the Subaru Ascent:

	Expedition	Ascent
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	7.5 sec
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.7 MPH	88.6 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Expedition’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Ascent doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Expedition has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Ascent (23.2 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Expedition has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Ascent doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Expedition higher (5 out of 10) than the Subaru Ascent (3). This means the Expedition produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Ascent every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Expedition’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Ascent:

	Expedition	Ascent
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	13.1 inches
Rear Rotors	13.2 inches	13 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Expedition has larger standard tires than the Ascent (265/70R18 vs. 245/60R18). The Expedition’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Ascent (285/45R22 vs. 245/60R18).

The Expedition’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ascent Onyx/Limited/Touring’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Expedition offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Ascent’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Ford Expedition’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Subaru Ascent only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Expedition has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Ascent; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

The Expedition has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Ascent’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Expedition offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Ascent’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Expedition offers an optional automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Ascent doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Expedition’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Ascent doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Expedition’s wheelbase is 8.7 inches longer than on the Ascent (122.5 inches vs. 113.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Expedition is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than on the Ascent.

For greater off-road capability the Expedition has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Ascent (9.8 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the Expedition to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Expedition Timberline’s minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the Ascent (10.6 vs. 8.7 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Expedition uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Ascent doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Expedition Timberline/Limited/King Ranch/Platinum uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Ascent doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Expedition has 18.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Ascent (171.9 vs. 153.2).

The Expedition has .8 inches more front headroom, 1.7 inches more front legroom, 4.5 inches more front hip room, 3.8 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear legroom, 5.1 inches more rear hip room, 4.5 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.1 inches more third row headroom, 4.4 inches more third row legroom, 5.5 inches more third row hip room and 7 inches more third row shoulder room than the Ascent.

Cargo Capacity

The Expedition’s cargo area provides more volume than the Ascent.

	Expedition	Ascent
Behind Third Seat	19.3 cubic feet	17.8 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	57.5 cubic feet	43.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	104.6 cubic feet	75.6 cubic feet

The Expedition’s cargo area is larger than the Ascent’s in almost every dimension:

	Expedition	Ascent
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	18.8”/49.4”/85.8”	20.3”/48”/82.9”
Max Width	58.4”	50.5”
Min Width	51.2”	45.9”
Height	36.9”	34”

Pressing a button automatically lowers the Expedition’s optional second row seats and pressing a button automatically lowers or raises the Expedition’s third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Ascent doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Expedition’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the liftgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Ascent’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Expedition Timberline/Limited/King Ranch/Platinum’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Ascent doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Expedition’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ascent’s (6000 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Subaru Ascent is only 5000 pounds. The Expedition offers up to a 9300 lbs. towing capacity.

The Expedition 4x4 with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Expedition can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Ascent can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Servicing Ease

The Expedition uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Ascent uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The Expedition (except STX)’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Ascent doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Expedition’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Ascent does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Expedition and the Ascent have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Expedition is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Ascent prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Expedition’s optional front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Ascent’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

On a hot day the Expedition’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Ascent can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Expedition’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Ascent’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Expedition’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Subaru only offers heated mirrors on the Ascent Premium/Limited/Touring.

The Expedition Platinum has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Ascent.

The Expedition (except STX)’s optional Enhanced Active Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Ascent doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Expedition is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Ascent doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Expedition is less expensive to operate than the Ascent because typical repairs cost much less on the Expedition than the Ascent, including $272 less for a water pump, $23 less for front brake pads, $357 less for a starter, $79 less for fuel injection, $88 less for a fuel pump and $359 less for front struts.