2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
When comparing the 2011 Toyota 4Runner's and the 2011 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2011 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2011 Toyota 4Runner's and the 2011 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Pricing
A used 2011 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $13,500 to $25,270 while a used 2011 Ford Explorer is priced between $6,891 to $15,997.
2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner loses 24.7 percent of its value and the 2011 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the 2011 Toyota 4Runner retains 21.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2011 Ford Explorer.
2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.7 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 10 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31. Out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner is ranked 14 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 10.
2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Ford Explorer Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 9.2 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the 2011 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
The 2011 Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2011 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2011 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2011 Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
13500 - 25270
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.246761
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
6891 - 15997
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.747071 / 10
Reliability:
9.241214 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
9 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 27Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 56Ranking
44 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 56Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2011 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, SR5, Trail
2011 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
391 / 529 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
88.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
189.9 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4509 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/65R17