Ford Explorer vs Toyota 4Runner

There are no two better SUVs built to handle the rough and tumble streets of Dallas, Plano, and Richardson, Texas than the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner. While you can’t go wrong with either vehicle, there are some striking differences between them that can sway your decision.

Interested in learning more? Check out this Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner comparison from Five Star Ford Dallas.

Ford Explorer Inventory

Which Vehicle Engines Perform Better?

Not all adventures are created equal with the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, as you need a powertrain that will make sure you can get through anything without incident. Starting with the Toyota 4Runner, you’ll enjoy a 4.0L V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

While that’s certainly impressive, you can get much more power—and options—with the Ford Explorer. Standard is a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Featuring a 10-speed automatic transmission, you’ll be more than ready to tackle any journey.

That’s not quite the end of this story, as the Explorer offers two additional engine options. The first is an available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and the other is 3.3L hybrid engine that produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.

So, if you want to get the most out of your engine, any of the three featured in the Explorer will outperform the one in the 4Runner.

Are These Vehicles Spacious?

Yes! And with three rows of seats, there is more room for you and your passengers to stretch out, as well as more room to fit all of your luggage in one shot.

	Ford Explorer	Toyota 4Runner
Headroom (first, second, third row)	40.7 in/40.5 in/38.9 in	39.3 in/38.6 in/34.3 in
Legroom (first, second, third row)	43 in/39 in/32.3 in	41.7 in/32.9 in/29.3 in
Hip room (first, second, third row)	59.2 in/59.1 in/40.9 in	56.2 in/55.7 in/43.4 in
Shoulder room (first, second, third row)	61.8 in/61.9 in/54.6 in	57.8 in/57.8 in/57.7 in

As you can see, other than third-row hip and shoulder room, the Ford Explorer holds a vast edge over the 4Runner in terms of its dimensions. Additionally, the Explorer offers more second- and third-row cargo room, at 47.9 cubic feet and 18.2 cubic feet respectively, than the 4Runner, which gets 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and nine cubic feet behind the third row.

Which SUV Is More Fuel Efficient?

When you’re out and about, you don’t want to have to keep looking at your fuel gauge and worry about when you have to stop at the gas pump. The Ford Explorer will take your worries away in that regard, as it can produce an EPA-estimated 20 city/28 highway MPG. Comparatively, the Toyota 4Runner produces an EPA-estimated 16 city/19 highway MPG.

Combined with the powerful engine options covered above, the Ford Explorer has everything you need to make sure you’re more than satisfied.