2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a refined, upscale design that made it stand out among its peers. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite the high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury expected at its price point, making it feel less competitive against similarly priced vehicles.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's design was more understated, with subtle styling choices that emphasized functionality. Its dished hood improved forward sight lines, and the bulging fenders provided visual cues of the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather-trimmed seating and functional dashboard. While the interior was comfortable and well-executed, it lacked the excitement of more modern designs, maintaining a somewhat plain aesthetic.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and flat cornering. The ST's suspension and steering, tuned by Ford Performance, offered a crisp and precise driving experience. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacity varied from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine choice.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive provided reliable performance on various terrains. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control. With an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches, it was well-suited for overland adventures. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was impressive at 8,100 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, though the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was versatile, with a three-row configuration in the standard model. The second-row seats were heated and adjustable, while the third row offered folding headrests. The Land Cruiser featured four-zone climate control and numerous cup holders. A cooling box in the center console added convenience. The split tailgate design was practical for loading and unloading, and the vehicle's towing capabilities were supported by an integrated hitch and Trailer-Sway Control. The Land Cruiser's interior was functional and family-friendly, though it lacked the modern flair of some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked customization options and felt unfinished. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving features, though its lane-tracking capabilities were not as advanced as competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers and a CD player, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional but appeared small compared to newer competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was useful for off-roading and tight parking spaces, though the screen's size limited its effectiveness in split-screen mode.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. While the Explorer had not been tested by the NHTSA, it received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust body structure provided inherent safety. It featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also came with the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and Safety Connect with a three-year trial subscription.