Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner Comparison

Off-road enthusiasts who prioritize a capable SUV will be torn between the 2021 ford explorer vs. toyota 4runner. To help, we’ve matched the 2021 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner to help you see how they compare.

Keep reading our comparison guide below to learn more, then take the 2021 Ford Explorer test drive at Group 1 Ford of Kennesaw, Kennesaw, GA.

2021 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner: Performance

Ford Explorer: The 2021 Explorer is a 3-row SUV with a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Ford clients also have the option of a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor and a choice of 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6s with up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the Ford Explorer range, as is a rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. When appropriately equipped, the Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.

4Runner: The sole engine available in the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

Rear-wheel drive is standard in the 4Runner SR5 and Limited versions. The 2021 4Runner TRD Pro and other 4Runner models offer a part-time all-wheel-drive system. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard across the 4Runner lineup.

2021 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner: Expansive Cabin

Ford Explorer: Whether you’re taking family or friends for the trip, the 2021 Ford Explorer has room for everyone, including your gears. The 2021 Ford Explorer interior offers 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

4Runner: For its part, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner configurations consist of 46.3 cubic feet of cargo area behind its second-row seats and 88.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

2021 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner: Technology

Explorer: The 2021 Ford Explorer comes standard with Ford’s SYNC 3 interface, which offers an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, one Type-A USB port, one Type-C USB port, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto, and a 6-speaker sound system.

4Runner: The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is equipped identically to the Explorer. It has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker stereo.

2021 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner: Safety

Explorer: The Ford Explorer is equipped with the brand’s Co-Pilot360 set of driver aids. As a result, it offers an extensive safety feature list, including driver drowsiness monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and forward automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features are adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, traffic sign recognition, perpendicular and parallel park assist, reverse brake assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.

4Runner: The 2021 4Runner comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver aids, including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Verdict: The Ford Explorer not only offers more powertrains than the Toyota 4Runner, but it allows you to haul more people and provides a lot more safety features. While both vehicles are equipped identically in many areas, the Ford Explorer is the better-equipped vehicle overall.

Shop the 2021 Ford Explorer at Group 1 Ford of Kennesaw

If you’re considering a midsize SUV for your Kennesaw adventures, the 2021 Ford Explorer will fit your requirements precisely. It provides three rows of seats, a wide array of engines, and an extensive list of safety features.

Wish to learn more about this vehicle? Visit our dealership at Group 1 Ford of Kennesaw, Kennesaw, GA, where we stock a vast selection of Explorer models, including the 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch.

We also encourage you to check out our variety of new and used Ford vehicles on our model research page and schedule a test drive with our team.