2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$40,050 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Explorer bursts forth with a commanding presence, driven by a potent 300 hp engine delivering 310 lb-ft of torque, emphasizing raw RWD power in a substantial 198.8-inch frame. Contrast this with the incredibly clever 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, which packs 302 hp while achieving a phenomenal 38 combined MPG, thanks to its advanced PHEV system providing a 42-mile electric range. The Explorer leans into traditional American muscle with its standard rear-wheel drive, while the RAV4 PHEV prioritizes efficiency and practicality, offering nearly double the cargo space at 33.5 cu ft versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. Though the RAV4 starts $4,765 higher at $44,815, its 14 MPG combined advantage significantly reduces long-term fuel costs over the Explorer's 24 MPG rating. The Explorer offers more size; the RAV4 offers superior technological efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG and 42-mile electric range, minimizing daily fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 PHEV offers significantly more utility, boasting 33.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft, and standard AWD capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer’s robust 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque coupled with a traditional RWD platform will appeal more to driving purists.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Despite the initial $4,765 higher MSRP, the 14 MPG difference and electric range make the RAV4 PHEV a superior long-term value proposition.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You desire a vehicle with a muscular, powerful feel thanks to its 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the traditional driving dynamics and capability of a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) based architecture.
You need the maximum physical footprint, utilizing the Explorer's larger 198.8-inch length.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

Reducing fuel consumption is paramount, leveraging the RAV4's 38 combined MPG rating.
You require substantial cargo capacity, as the RAV4 offers 33.5 cu ft versus 18.2 cu ft.
Daily driving can be managed primarily on electric power, utilizing the 42-mile EV range.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	198.8"	180.9"
Width	78.9"	73.0"
Height	69.9"	67.0"
Wheelbase	119.1"	105.9"

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	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	14.5 gal.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	94 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	42 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	36
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Toyota
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	47.7 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	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	225/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the RAV4 PHEV?

The Explorer pushes raw output with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque driving the rear wheels, offering a traditional performance feel. The RAV4 PHEV counters with a slightly higher 302 hp but utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system combined with an electric motor for instant torque delivery.

How significant is the fuel economy gap for daily drivers?

The difference is substantial; the RAV4 PHEV achieves 38 combined MPG, while the Explorer manages only 24 combined MPG, resulting in 14 MPG more efficiency for the Toyota.

Is the Explorer's extra size translated into usable family space?

Not necessarily in cargo, as the Explorer only offers 18.2 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. Conversely, the physically shorter RAV4 PHEV provides a much more generous 33.5 cu ft for luggage and gear.

Why is the RAV4 PHEV significantly more expensive than the Explorer?

The RAV4 PHEV carries a $4,765 higher MSRP ($44,815 vs $40,050) largely due to the inclusion of the advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain technology and standard All-Wheel Drive.

Can the RAV4 PHEV cover a typical commute without using gasoline?

Yes, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid boasts an impressive 42-mile all-electric range, which should cover many daily commutes before requiring gasoline.

Does the Ford Explorer use a more conventional transmission?

Yes, the Ford Explorer is equipped with a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission paired with its potent powertrain. The RAV4 PHEV utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.