2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota 4Runner
2021 Toyota 4Runner
$36,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota 4Runner
$36,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$32,925

MSRP

$36,765

Average price

$31,473

Average price

$37,867

Listings

5055

Listings

1632
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
  • Spacious third row
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Excellent off-road capability
  • Stylish design
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Ford Explorer Reviews Summary

There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment.

Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021?

2021 Toyota 4Runner Reviews Summary

Despite its design age, poor fuel economy, rough ride, iffy handling, and marginal safety ratings, the current-generation Toyota 4Runner remains a popular choice in a midsize SUV. Why? Its reputation for reliability and resale value, coupled with its undeniable utility, rugged image, and go-anywhere and do-anything capability, are the selling points. And if that's why you want a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, it won't disappoint you as long as you accept its shortcomings.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Engine

4.0L 270 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

Horsepower

270 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

16

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

19
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota 4Runner
2021 Toyota 4Runner
$36,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota 4Runner
$36,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$32,925
$36,765
Average price
$31,473
$37,867
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

6.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
  • Spacious third row
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Excellent off-road capability
  • Stylish design
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary

There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment.

Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021?

Despite its design age, poor fuel economy, rough ride, iffy handling, and marginal safety ratings, the current-generation Toyota 4Runner remains a popular choice in a midsize SUV. Why? Its reputation for reliability and resale value, coupled with its undeniable utility, rugged image, and go-anywhere and do-anything capability, are the selling points. And if that's why you want a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, it won't disappoint you as long as you accept its shortcomings.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.3L 300 hp I4
4.0L 270 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
21
16
MPG Highway
28
19
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By: CarGurus + AI

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