2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Toyota 4Runner 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 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner.
When we compare the 2022 Ford Explorer's and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the 2022 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2022 Ford Explorer's and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the 2022 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2022 Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2022 Ford Explorer ranges from $25,159 to $43,989 while a used 2022 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $33,995 to $51,906.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2022 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retains 22.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2022 Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 7 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota 4Runner the reliability rating is 8.3 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 2022 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 270 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. This gives the 2022 Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2022 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 2022 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2022 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$40,999 - $61,151
Starting MSRP:
$35,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$34,578
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,400 - $40,325
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$38,105
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$34,578
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,400 - $40,325
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,268
Price Range:
$25,159 - $43,989
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,821
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$25,159 - $43,117
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,908
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
48,532
# Good or Great Deals:
2,760
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,721
Price Range:
$33,995 - $51,906
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,821
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$25,159 - $43,117
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,238
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
57,362
# Good or Great Deals:
755
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2022 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.7 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
15.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2022 Toyota 4Runner
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.7 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
58.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
25.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 25.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 25.6
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Summary 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.
Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2022 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
2022 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail Special Edition, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
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:
Not yet available
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Atlas Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand Beige
Black
Black/Graphite
