2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious but rather functional, with subtle styling choices that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood, for instance, was not just a design quirk but a functional feature that improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer presented a more modern and sporty exterior, with a family resemblance to other Ford SUVs. It offered a variety of trim levels, each with distinct grille designs and features, ranging from the base model to the luxurious Platinum trim. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating as standard, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to six. The interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with a clean dash, an 8-inch touchscreen, and ample storage space. The Explorer's interior improved with higher trims, offering features like leather upholstery and advanced infotainment systems.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a fuel economy of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road performance, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob for various surface conditions. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, made it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds and offered a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 horsepower in the Explorer ST. The Explorer was more focused on towing, with a capacity ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine. It provided a balanced driving experience, with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SelectShift capability across all trims.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a dual personality, suitable for both commuting and overlanding. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack, with a three-row configuration in the standard model. The interior was spacious, with heated second-row seats and a split tailgate for easy loading. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds and included a cooling box in the center console.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base model, with captain’s chairs available in higher trims. It offered 39 inches of second-row legroom and 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row deployed. The Explorer's overall cargo volume was 81 cubic feet, making it competitive with smaller SUVs. It was designed for practicality, with ample storage and a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, 14 JBL speakers, and integrated navigation. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but included a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It featured 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology as standard. This included blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.