Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner
When we compare the Ford Explorer to the Toyota 4Runner, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the area of overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Toyota 4Runner, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Ford Explorer versus Toyota 4Runner Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Ford Explorer ranges from $34,452 to $54,990 while a used Toyota 4Runner from the same model year range is priced between $38,502 to $57,917. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $36,442 and $59,358, with the Toyota 4Runner priced between $40,321 and $53,207.
Ford Explorer versus Toyota 4Runner Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 3 out of 25.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 270 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
The 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 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of trunk space.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage of offering higher towing capacity, ground clearance, and payload capacity than the Ford Explorer.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$36,442 - $59,358
Used Asking Price:
$34,452 - $54,990
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$40,321 - $53,207
Used Asking Price:
$38,502 - $57,917
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
24.7%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
43 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
22 out of / 25Ranking
23 out of / 25Summary 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
Trim Levels
XLT, Base, Police Interceptor Utility, Platinum, ST, Limited, King Ranch, ST-Line, Timberline
Trim Levels
40th Anniversary Special Edition, TRD Off-Road, SR5 Premium, SR5, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Sport, Limited, TRD Pro
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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 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:
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
