2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, added a sporty flair. However, the interior left much to be desired, with materials that felt subpar for its price range. Despite its high cost, the Explorer's interior did not match the luxury of competitors like Mercedes or Audi, making it feel overpriced for what it offered.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's exterior was reminiscent of a bygone era, with its basic two-box shape and chrome accents. The Heritage Edition added a touch of nostalgia with its bronze wheels and retro badges. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and dated design elements. The plush leather upholstery and traditional features like a hand-operated parking brake provided a sense of luxury, but the overall design felt like a step back in time. Despite its swanky interior, the Land Cruiser's look and feel were more about ruggedness than modern elegance.

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. Its rear-wheel-drive chassis provided balanced weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and flat cornering. The Explorer's ride quality was commendable, even without adaptive dampers, and its braking performance was superb. 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 capacities varied, with the V6 AWD capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer's seven drive modes catered to various driving conditions, making it a versatile performer.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system provided smooth acceleration and off-road capability. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select system enhanced its off-road prowess, while features like Crawl Control and Off-Road Turn Assist improved maneuverability on challenging terrain. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected its handling. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was well-suited for heavy-duty tasks.

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 row, 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 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The second row offered heated seats and a four-zone climate control system with 28 air vents. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row slid forward, though leg support was lacking. Cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. The split clamshell liftgate provided easy access, and the lower tailgate was convenient for outdoor activities. The Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious but lacked the spaciousness of the Explorer.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was user-friendly, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving features, though its lane-tracking capabilities were not as advanced as competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was basic, with a tap-based interface and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was limited, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system felt outdated. The 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality, but it was not on par with high-end systems in other SUVs. The Land Cruiser's technology was functional but lacked the modern features expected at its price point.

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. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Land Cruiser's safety features were comprehensive but not as advanced as some competitors.