2027 Ford Expedition Max vs. 2027 Subaru Outback

For full-size family utility, finding an SUV with excellent cargo and passenger capacities and strong towing is a must. Some great examples of this are the 2027 Ford Expedition MAX and the 2027 Subaru Outback, with it being easy to explore the different features of these SUVs by visiting us at Ourisman Ford of Manassas, our Ford dealership near Fairfax, VA.

A blue-green Ford Expedition MAX parked in a forest clearing.

Which 2027 SUV is Best for Woodbridge Families: Ford Expedition or Subaru Outback

The 2027 Ford Expedition MAX is the superior choice for growing households needing maximum cabin capacity, offering standard seating for up to eight passengers compared to the five-passenger limit of the Outback. For Woodbridge families managing daily school runs, neighborhood carpools, and weekend outings along the Potomac River, the Expedition MAX provides an expansive interior cabin that smaller crossovers simply cannot match.

While the Subaru Outback appeals to buyers seeking a compact, wagon-style crossover for light recreational activities, it falls short when evaluated against the rigorous demands of larger family life.

Cargo Space

The Expedition MAX provides an overwhelming space advantage over the Outback, delivering about 36 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space behind the third row and a total interior volume of 175 cubic feet. In contrast, the Outback offers significantly restricted rear cargo space, making it unsuitable for large families or group travel.

For Fairfax parents organizing weekend soccer equipment, camping gear, or boating supplies, the Expedition MAX ensures everyone and everything fits comfortably without compromise. Front row occupants enjoy:

  • 41.8 inches of headroom
  • 43.9 inches of legroom
  • 64.9 inches of shoulder room

Second-row passengers benefit from identical figures, while third-row passengers receive a generous 41.1 inches of legroom and 37.4 inches of headroom, ensuring adult-sized comfort across all three rows.

Specification2027 Ford Expedition2027 Subaru Outback
Seating Capacity5 - 85
Maximum Towing Capacity6,000 - 9,000 lbs2,700 - 3,500 lbs
Curb Weight5,542 - 5,794 lbs3,741 - 3,973 lbs

Performance, Fuel Economy, and Driving Experience

With a maximum towing capacity reaching up to 9,000 pounds on 4x4 configurations, the 2027 Expedition MAX dramatically outperforms the Subaru Outback's peak 3,500-pound trailering limit. Powering the Expedition MAX is the standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, producing an impressive 400 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 480 pound-feet of torque at 3,300 RPM.

The Expedition MAX also balances its immense strength with respectable fuel economy for a full-size SUV. Rear-wheel-drive trims have a fuel economy rating of 16 in the city, 23 on the highway, and 18 combined, while 4x4 variants deliver 15 in the city, 22 on the highway, and 18 combined. Utilizing a 27.8 gal fuel tank, the Expedition MAX provides an estimated driving range of 425 mi, allowing drivers to tackle long highway journeys with fewer refueling stops.

By comparison, the Subaru Outback offers a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, or an available 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder generating 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. While the Outback achieves higher EPA fuel efficiency figures, ranging from 21-25 MPG in the city and 27-31 on the highway, its lightweight unibody structure cannot haul large speedboats, travel trailers, or heavy utility loads.

Specification

2027 Ford Expedition

2027 Subaru Outback

Engine Type

3.5L EcoBoost V6

2.5L 4-Cylinder / 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

Horsepower

400 hp

180 hp / 260 hp

Torque

480 lb-ft

178 lb-ft / 277 lb-ft

Transmission

SelectShift 10-speed automatic

Lineartronic CVT

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive / All-wheel drive

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Fuel Type

Regular unleaded

Regular unleaded

City Fuel Economy

15 - 16 MPG

21 - 25 MPG

Highway Fuel Economy

22 - 23 MPG

27 - 31 MPG

Combined Fuel Economy

18 MPG

24 - 27 MPG

Safety Features

The Expedition MAX comes equipped with advanced driver-assist features through Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, providing comprehensive protective coverage across all three seating rows. Standard safety equipment includes:

  • Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
  • Lane Keeping Alert

These systems work continuously to monitor surrounding traffic conditions.

Additionally, this model boast six standard airbags, a 360-degree camera system for effortless parking maneuvers, and Pro Trailer assistance features that simplify hitching and reversing with a trailer.

Test Drive a New Ford Expedition Near Fairfax, VA

The Ford Expedition MAX has excellent performance, space, and a suite of technology to assist in keeping you and your passengers safe, making this model stand out from the competition. If you want a closer look at a new Expedition MAX, schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership near Fairfax, VA, also serving the Manassas and Woodbridge areas. If you have any other questions about this model or how it stacks up against other SUVs, please contact us online at Ourisman Ford of Manassas.