Ultimate truck comparison: toyota tacoma vs ford explorer – which suv reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Tacoma has a seating capacity of five passengers, while the Explorer has a seating capacity of seven passengers.
- The Toyota Tacoma has a starting price of $26,500, while the Ford Explorer has a starting price of $32,225.
- The Tacoma and Explorer offer a similar range of features, but the Explorer offers more standard features than the Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a rugged exterior, spacious interior, and impressive off-road capabilities. However, there are some key differences between the two models that buyers should consider before making a decision. In this blog post, we will compare the Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Explorer in terms of performance, features, reliability, and value to help you make an informed choice.
Performance: Power, Torque, and Fuel Efficiency
Engine Options: The Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, offers three engine options: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 engine producing 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.
Towing and Payload Capacities: The Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds. The Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Fuel Economy: The Tacoma with the 2.7-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The Tacoma with the 3.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Explorer with the 3.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Explorer with the 3.3-liter hybrid engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Features: Technology, Comfort, and Convenience
Infotainment Systems: The Tacoma comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both systems offer a variety of features, including navigation, voice control, and smartphone integration.
Seating and Interior Space: The Tacoma has a seating capacity of five passengers, while the Explorer has a seating capacity of seven passengers. The Tacoma has 102.8 cubic feet of passenger space, while the Explorer has 153.7 cubic feet of passenger space.
Safety Features: The Tacoma comes standard with a variety of safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Explorer comes standard with a variety of safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Reliability: Durability and Maintenance Costs
Reliability Ratings: The Toyota Tacoma has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power, while the Ford Explorer has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power. This indicates that the Tacoma is generally considered to be more reliable than the Explorer.
Maintenance Costs: The average annual maintenance cost for the Toyota Tacoma is $450, while the average annual maintenance cost for the Ford Explorer is $500. This indicates that the Tacoma is generally less expensive to maintain than the Explorer.
Value: Price, Features, and Resale Value
Pricing: The Toyota Tacoma has a starting price of $26,500, while the Ford Explorer has a starting price of $32,225. This indicates that the Tacoma is generally less expensive than the Explorer.
Features: The Tacoma and Explorer offer a similar range of features, but the Explorer offers more standard features than the Tacoma.
Resale Value: The Toyota Tacoma has a higher resale value than the Ford Explorer. This indicates that the Tacoma is generally considered to be a better investment than the Explorer.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are both excellent mid-size SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Tacoma is a more affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient option, while the Explorer offers more features, space, and power. Ultimately, the best vehicle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Takeaways: The Verdict
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market for a reason. They both offer a rugged exterior, spacious interior, and impressive off-road capabilities. However, there are some key differences between the two models that buyers should consider before making a decision. The Tacoma is a more affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient option, while the Explorer offers more features, space, and power. Ultimately, the best vehicle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has a higher reliability rating than the Ford Explorer.
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer.
Q: Which vehicle has more features, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has more features than the Toyota Tacoma.
Q: Which vehicle has a higher resale value, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has a higher resale value than the Ford Explorer.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable, the Toyota Tacoma or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Toyota Tacoma is more affordable than the Ford Explorer.