Toyota 4runner vs ford explorer: which adventure suv reigns supreme?
What To Know
- Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer offer four-wheel drive, but the 4Runner has a slight edge in terms of ground clearance and approach and departure angles.
- The 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
- The 4Runner is a better choice for buyers who want a vehicle with superior off-road performance, while the Explorer is a better choice for buyers who want a vehicle with a higher towing capacity and more interior space.
When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer are two of the most popular choices on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, ample cargo space, and capable off-road performance. However, there are some key differences between the two SUVs that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this blog post, we will compare the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer side-by-side to help you decide which one is right for you.
Off-Road Performance
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a midsize SUV is its off-road performance. Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer offer four-wheel drive, but the 4Runner has a slight edge in terms of ground clearance and approach and departure angles. Additionally, the 4Runner is available with a locking rear differential, which can be helpful when driving in slippery conditions.
Towing Capacity
If you plan on towing a trailer or boat, you will need an SUV with a high towing capacity. The Toyota 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. However, it is important to note that the 4Runner’s towing capacity is reduced to 4,700 pounds when equipped with the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The Toyota 4Runner has a slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer. The 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space
Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer offer a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The 4Runner has slightly more headroom and legroom in the front seats, while the Explorer has slightly more headroom and legroom in the second and third rows.
Cargo Space
The Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer offer similar amounts of cargo space. The 4Runner has 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row of seats. The Explorer has 43.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 80.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row of seats.
Price
The Toyota 4Runner has a slightly higher starting price than the Ford Explorer. The 4Runner starts at $37,540, while the Explorer starts at $36,950. However, it is important to note that the 4Runner comes standard with more features than the Explorer, such as four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and a sunroof.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs. The 4Runner is a better choice for buyers who want a vehicle with superior off-road performance, while the Explorer is a better choice for buyers who want a vehicle with a higher towing capacity and more interior space. Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one you prefer.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors we have discussed above, there are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing between the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer. These include:
- Reliability: The Toyota 4Runner has a reputation for being more reliable than the Ford Explorer.
- Resale value: The Toyota 4Runner also has a better resale value than the Ford Explorer.
- Technology: The Ford Explorer offers more advanced technology features than the Toyota 4Runner, such as a larger touchscreen display, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free liftgate.
- Styling: The Toyota 4Runner has a more rugged and traditional styling than the Ford Explorer.
- Availability: The Toyota 4Runner is more popular than the Ford Explorer, so it may be more difficult to find one in stock.
In a nutshell: The Verdict
The Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The 4Runner is a better choice for buyers who want a vehicle with superior off-road performance, while the Explorer is a better choice for buyers who want a vehicle with a higher towing capacity and more interior space. Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one you prefer.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which SUV has a better off-road performance, the Toyota 4Runner or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota 4Runner has a better off-road performance than the Ford Explorer. The 4Runner has a higher ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, and a locking rear differential.
Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Toyota 4Runner or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the Toyota 4Runner. The Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, while the 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Toyota 4Runner or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota 4Runner has a slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer. The 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.