Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and 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 Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner.
When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, 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, overall quality score and base engine power. The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $37,722 to $57,414 while a used 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $44,468 to $64,882. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,643 and $61,641, with the Toyota 4Runner priced between $44,467 and $62,637.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Toyota 4Runner loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 22.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 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 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 278 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40643 - 61641
Starting MSRP:
40050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44467 - 62637
Starting MSRP:
40770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46451
Price Range:
37722 - 57414
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
16122
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
703
# Good or Great Deals:
514
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
54640
Price Range:
44468 - 64882
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12447
Depreciation %:
0.30530799
Resale Value $:
28323
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
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 Ford Explorer
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.587
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
35.73669729298925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4967415681961866
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
278 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
317 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 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 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 539 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
48.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
90.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4455 lbs
Width:
78 inches
Height:
72.6 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 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:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White / Space White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Heritage Blue
Gray
Underground
Silver
Cutting Edge
White
Ice Cap
Red
Supersonic Red
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Boulder
Black
Black
