2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a refined, upscale design that made it more attractive than its competitors. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by widened headlights, a 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 its high price, the materials 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 less appealing compared to more affordable competitors like the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a more balanced look and feel. While its exterior design was not particularly distinctive, it exuded a rugged charm that was complemented by its practical and stylish interior. The cabin was a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics, but it was functional and comfortable. The RAV4 Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience with its clear instrumentation and well-organized controls. Despite a few minor issues, such as a rattle from the license plate, the RAV4 Hybrid's interior was generally well-received, providing a comfortable and practical environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered impressive performance, particularly with its rear-wheel-drive chassis and available engines. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth and addictive power, making the Explorer ST a nimble and dynamic SUV. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. However, the hybrid's fuel economy did not justify its additional cost. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and configuration, and it featured seven drive modes for various conditions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard all-wheel drive and a lively driving experience, although the engine's sound was less pleasant at higher revs. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 39.7 mpg during testing. Its continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were commendable, with a relatively flat cornering stance and a comfortable ride on various road surfaces. However, its tires offered limited grip, affecting its performance in more spirited driving scenarios.

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, while the third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips. 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 controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo functions. However, thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras created blind spots, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided a comfortable and practical interior, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front cushions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and reclining backrests, although the seat felt slightly low. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage solutions included dashboard shelves and door panel bottle holders, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the system was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and software updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system provided semi-automated driving features, but its performance was inconsistent, leaving room for improvement.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a choice of infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, although the latter occasionally activated falsely. 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 RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights. However, the lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control exhibited some inconsistencies in traffic.