2019 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Subaru Ascent
Two midsize SUVs, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2019 Ford
Explorer
3/10
A rear-drive-based Explorer with real ambition, sunk by rushed engineering and the worst quality-control year Ford had in a decade.
VS
2019 Subaru
Ascent
5/10
Roomy, capable three-row Subaru held back by a first-model-year CVT and electrical gremlins that turned into real recalls.
Milo scores the 2019 Subaru Ascent higher — 5/10 against 3/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Ford Explorer |
Subaru Ascent |
| Known failure points | 6 | 7 |
| NHTSA complaints | 290 | 438 |
| Safety recalls | 6 | 9 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 32 | 52 |
| Cheap to own | 30 | 45 |
| Fun factor | 68 | 48 |
| Holds value | 38 | 58 |
| Enthusiast cred | 40 | 30 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2019 Ford Explorer
10-speed automatic transmission harsh/rough shifting, sometimes requiring reflash or full replacement
$0–$6,0000k–15k mi
2019 Subaru Ascent
CVT chain wear, front pump failure, or full CVT/transfer case replacement in unlucky units
$4,500–$7,00020k–70k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2019 Ford Explorer
A 2019 Explorer ST with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6, or a base 2.3L EcoBoost Limited built after mid-2019 (later production runs had more of the early recalls and software fixes already baked in) — verify all 6 recalls are completed with paperwork, not just inspected.
✅ 2019 Subaru Ascent
A late-production-run 2019 (built fall 2019) Limited or Touring with all recall work completed and full CVT fluid change history — or better, skip straight to a 2021+ Ascent which addressed most of these issues at the factory.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
Run my free report →
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Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.