What To Know
- The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money.
- If you’re looking for a traditional SUV with a high towing capacity and a good off-road performance, the 4Runner is a great choice.
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are two of the most popular SUVs on the market. They offer a combination of ruggedness, capability, and comfort that makes them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner both offer powerful engines that deliver plenty of performance. The Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 4Runner, on the other hand, comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque.
In terms of acceleration, the Explorer has a slight edge over the 4Runner. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, compared to the 4Runner’s 7.0 seconds. However, the 4Runner has a higher towing capacity, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Explorer’s 3,500 pounds.
Capability
Both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are capable off-road SUVs. They both have four-wheel drive systems and a variety of features that help them tackle tough terrain. The Explorer comes standard with a Terrain Management System that allows the driver to select different driving modes for different conditions. The 4Runner, on the other hand, comes standard with a Crawl Control system that helps the vehicle maintain a low speed in difficult terrain.
In terms of ground clearance, the 4Runner has a slight advantage over the Explorer. It has 9.0 inches of ground clearance compared to the Explorer’s 8.7 inches. This makes the 4Runner better suited for driving over rocks and other obstacles.
Interior
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner both have spacious interiors that can comfortably seat up to seven passengers. The Explorer has a more modern interior design with a large touchscreen infotainment system and a variety of tech features. The 4Runner, on the other hand, has a more traditional interior design with a smaller touchscreen infotainment system and fewer tech features.
In terms of cargo space, the Explorer has a slight advantage over the 4Runner. It offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, compared to the 4Runner’s 14.1 cubic feet.
Safety
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The Explorer also comes standard with a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring system. The 4Runner, on the other hand, comes standard with a lane departure warning system and automatic emergency braking.
In terms of crash test ratings, the Explorer and the 4Runner both received good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Explorer received a slightly higher rating for its side crash test.
Price
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are both priced similarly. The Explorer starts at $33,225, while the 4Runner starts at $37,605. However, the Explorer offers more standard features than the 4Runner, so it may be a better value for the money.
Which One is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Explorer is a more modern SUV with a more powerful engine and a more spacious interior. The 4Runner is a more traditional SUV with a higher towing capacity and a better off-road performance.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a modern SUV with a lot of tech features, the Explorer is a great choice. If you’re looking for a traditional SUV with a high towing capacity and a good off-road performance, the 4Runner is a great choice.
The Verdict: Ford Explorer vs Toyota 4Runner
The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Explorer is a more modern SUV with a more powerful engine and a more spacious interior. The 4Runner is a more traditional SUV with a higher towing capacity and a better off-road performance.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a modern SUV with a lot of tech features, the Explorer is a great choice. If you’re looking for a traditional SUV with a high towing capacity and a good off-road performance, the 4Runner is a great choice.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota 4Runner?
A: The Ford Explorer has a better fuel economy than the Toyota 4Runner. The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, compared to the 4Runner’s 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota 4Runner?
A: The Toyota 4Runner has a better warranty than the Ford Explorer. The 4Runner comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Explorer comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota 4Runner?
A: The Toyota 4Runner is more reliable than the Ford Explorer. The 4Runner has a higher reliability rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates.