Ford Explorer vs Toyota 4Runner

The next time you need a free-wheeling SUV to accompany you on your journeys in Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, and Lake Charles, LA, consider us at Town and Country Ford. Although we have plenty of enticing options to choose from, there’s plenty to behold in our Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner comparison.

We layout what makes these off-road-ready rides stand out and how you can benefit from their capabilities. Keep on reading!

Ford Explorer vs Toyota 4Runner: Power and Handling

Make no mistake: the Toyota 4Runner is a worthy competitor when going head-to-head with the Ford Explorer. Most notably, this is seen when sizing up the capabilities of what’s under the hood of these rides. The 4Runner includes a 4.0L 46 engine across the board, which achieves up to 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

However, the Ford Explorer ups the ante from the get-go. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine maxes out at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the high-end 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 achieves even greater numbers with the ability to generate up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

Handling aside, the Explorer offers a significantly more beneficial fuel economy compared to the 4Runner. Enjoy an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG with Ford. The 4Runner achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of just an EPA-estimated 16 city/17 highway MPG.

Explorer and 4Runner: Room to Sit Throughout

If ample space matters to you, consider what this Ford model has to offer. There’s room for up to seven people in several of its available trims, although six people can comfortably fit in the other model options. On the other hand, the Toyota includes standard seating for five people, with room for seven in two of its trims.

Speaking of space, the Explorer tops the 4Runner with its interior dimensions. Those in the front seats of the Explorer have 40.7 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom. Additionally, as a stark contrast from the 4Runner, there’s four inches more of front shoulder room space in the Explorer, residing at 61.8 inches, while the 4Runner offers 57.8 inches of front shoulder room. A little bit goes a long way.

Ford vs Toyota: Commitment to On-Road Protection

Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner include their respective safety suites. Ford’s Co-Pilot™ 360 counters Toyota’s safety offerings by including several shared driver-assistance technology features as standard inclusions, such as:

• Lane-Keeping System
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Rearview camera

Still, Ford separates itself as a dynamic, safety-based force when compared to the 4Runner. For example, the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert comes standard, as does a Forward Collision Warning system. A system like the Explorer’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is not available in any of the 4Runner’s trim options.

Choose Your Adventure With Ford Explorer

From the front-end to the rear, the Explorer lives up to its namesake. Although the 4Runner propels itself as a worthwhile consideration, Ford’s SUV finds its unique and unmistakable groove in its performance, capacities, and available features.

Town and Country Ford hopes you enjoyed our Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner comparison. When you’re ready, stop on by our showroom so we can set you up with a test drive around Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, and Lake Charles, LA!