2016 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2016 Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner and 2016 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2016 Toyota 4Runner and the 2016 Ford Explorer.
In comparing the 2016 Toyota 4Runner's and the 2016 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. The 2016 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner's and the 2016 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2016 Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2016 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $18,990 to $32,950 while a used 2016 Ford Explorer is priced between $8,994 to $20,095.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner loses 30.1 percent of its value and the 2016 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the 2016 Toyota 4Runner retains 22.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2016 Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.1 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 9 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 4 out of 31.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.3 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 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 2016 Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the 2016 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 506 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 15 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2016 Toyota 4Runner the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2016 Ford Explorer. The 4Runner uses gasoline, and the Explorer uses ethanol, gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2016 Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2016 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2016 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2016 Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
34010
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
29055
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
20995 - 34010
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
29055
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
20995 - 34010
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25828
Price Range:
18990 - 32950
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
15346
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9898 - 25828
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
471
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
132152
# Good or Great Deals:
142
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
14458
Price Range:
8994 - 20095
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
15346
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9898 - 25828
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1119
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
121875
# Good or Great Deals:
383
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2016 Toyota 4Runner
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.3 - 7.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.587
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2016 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
0.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.3 - 7.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.7958061099163745
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.2 - 13.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.981682724199757
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.2 - 13.2
Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 31Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 54Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 54Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
63 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
2016 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail, Trail Premium, TRD Pro
2016 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 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 / 22 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
391 / 506 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):
13 / 18 / 15
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Ethanol, Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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 Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
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:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4457 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Blue Jeans
Gray
Not available
Red
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand Beige
Black
Black/Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Light Camel
Black
Not available
