2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer bursts onto the scene with a potent 300 hp engine and a focus on paved performance, highlighted by its rear-wheel-drive platform and smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. It measures 198.8 inches long, offering a nimbler, more car-like feel for daily driving. Conversely, the legendary 2025 Toyota 4Runner stands tall, boasting a rugged stature at 72.6 inches high, though its 278 hp output is slightly less than the Explorer's. While the Explorer leads in horsepower, the 4Runner counters with superior low-end grunt, delivering 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Explorer's 310 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows the Explorer sipping fuel slightly better at a combined 24 MPG versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG. However, the 4Runner crushes the competition in utility, offering a massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Explorer's meager 18.2 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is the clear choice for families needing utility, offering 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, vastly exceeding the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts prioritizing on-road acceleration will favor the Explorer's higher 300 hp output paired with a quick 10-speed transmission.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers more power (300 hp vs. 278 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,050.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You seek sharper on-road handling derived from a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup and 300 horsepower.
- You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 24 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
- You prefer a lower starting price point at $40,050 compared to the 4Runner's entry cost.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, given its massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You prefer immediate pulling power, as the 4Runner leads with 317 lb-ft of torque.
- Your driving environment demands a taller stance, reflected in its 72.6-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.0" |
| Height | 69.9" | 72.6" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 380.0/494.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 8.0 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | P245/70R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
Which vehicle is faster in a straight line between the 2025 Explorer and 4Runner?
The 2025 Ford Explorer possesses a significant advantage in horsepower, generating 300 hp compared to the 4Runner's 278 hp. This extra 22 horsepower, channeled through a 10-speed automatic, suggests the Explorer will have a higher peak speed and quicker acceleration profile.
How much more cargo space does the 4Runner offer over the Explorer?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner dwarfs the Explorer in raw storage capacity, providing 48.4 cu ft versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. This difference of over 30 cubic feet makes the 4Runner vastly superior for hauling large gear or family luggage.
Is there a noticeable difference in fuel consumption between these two RWD models?
Yes, the Explorer is slightly more fuel-efficient, achieving a combined 24 MPG compared to the 4Runner's 22 MPG combined rating. This 2 MPG advantage on regular unleaded fuel will result in fewer stops at the pump over a year of commuting.
Which vehicle offers better low-end pulling power for towing or climbing?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner wins on low-end torque delivery, producing 317 lb-ft versus the Explorer's 310 lb-ft. While both are close, the 4Runner's torque peak arriving via an 8-speed unit suggests a slight edge in immediate grunt.
Why is the 2025 Ford Explorer rated better for daily driving if both are RWD?
The Explorer is engineered as a crossover, which typically results in a lower overall height (69.9 inches) and a structure emphasizing on-road dynamics and comfort over rugged terrain capability.
How do the physical dimensions affect maneuvering in tight spaces?
The 4Runner is noticeably taller at 72.6 inches, which impacts clearance in low-clearance garages, but it is also slightly shorter in length at 194.9 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, which could slightly aid parking in some situations.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool