Tacoma vs. explorer: off-road prowess and everyday comfort compared
What To Know
- The Tacoma is a better choice for buyers who want a more capable off-road vehicle, while the Explorer is a better choice for buyers who want a more comfortable and feature-rich SUV.
- However, the Tacoma has a slight edge in terms of off-road capabilities, while the Explorer has a slight edge in terms of interior space, comfort, and features.
- Which SUV has a more comfortable interior, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer.
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a rugged exterior, spacious interior, and powerful engine options. However, there are some key differences between the two SUVs that potential buyers should consider before making a decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Tacoma is available with a variety of engine options, including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel. The Ford Explorer is also available with a variety of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6.
In terms of performance, the Ford Explorer has a slight edge over the Toyota Tacoma. The Explorer’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V6 produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. However, the Tacoma’s turbodiesel engine provides more torque than the Explorer’s V6, with 460 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Tacoma has a slight edge over the Ford Explorer. The Tacoma’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are capable off-road vehicles. However, the Tacoma has a slight edge over the Explorer in this area. The Tacoma comes standard with a four-wheel drive system, while the Explorer’s four-wheel drive system is optional. The Tacoma also has a higher ground clearance than the Explorer, which makes it better suited for driving over rough terrain.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer offer similar amounts of interior space. However, the Explorer has a more comfortable interior than the Tacoma. The Explorer’s seats are more supportive and the cabin is more spacious. The Explorer also has a larger cargo area than the Tacoma, with 81.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats and 51.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats.
Features and Technology
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer both offer a variety of features and technology. However, the Explorer has a more comprehensive suite of features than the Tacoma. The Explorer comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Tacoma does not offer these features as standard equipment.
Price
The Toyota Tacoma has a lower starting price than the Ford Explorer. The Tacoma starts at $26,500, while the Explorer starts at $32,225. However, the Tacoma’s price can quickly increase when you add options, while the Explorer’s price is more competitive when you compare similarly equipped models.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs. The Tacoma is a better choice for buyers who want a more capable off-road vehicle, while the Explorer is a better choice for buyers who want a more comfortable and feature-rich SUV.
Final Verdict: A Battle Well-Fought
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are two of the best midsize SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a rugged exterior, spacious interior, and powerful engine options. However, the Tacoma has a slight edge in terms of off-road capabilities, while the Explorer has a slight edge in terms of interior space, comfort, and features. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Ford Explorer.
Q: Which SUV has more off-road capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has slightly better off-road capabilities than the Ford Explorer.
Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable interior, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more comfortable interior than the Toyota Tacoma.
Q: Which SUV has more features and technology, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has more features and technology than the Toyota Tacoma.
Q: Which SUV has a lower starting price, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has a lower starting price than the Ford Explorer.
