2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer bore the quintessential Ford SUV aesthetic with its “E” series of vehicles, marking a nostalgic nod to the brand loyalty strategized in the 1950s. Externally, it was sleek and sporty, featuring raked belt lines and distinctive visages that made it stand out from other brands, though one could easily confuse it with the smaller Edge at quick glance. Depending on the trim, the Explorer showcased various grille designs, ranging from black and chrome to a sporty black grille with a red stripe. With six separate trims available — Base, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum — the Explorer offered a wide price range from $32,925 to $52,730, with increasing exterior and interior quality commensurate with the trim level.

Internally, the Explorer was equipped with three rows of seats as standard. While cloth upholstery adorned the base model with fairly comfortable seats, the higher trims came with leather upholstery, significantly enhancing the feel of the cabin. The dashboard featured a clean layout with familiar gauges and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen dominating the center stack. It also had large, user-friendly knobs and buttons for the audio and climate control systems. The rotary gear shift in the center console freed up storage space, which included a covered bin, cupholders, and a large storage bin under the center armrest. Most customers favored the XLT trim, which added premium touches like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen.

Conversely, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner resonated with a rugged charm. Its design had remained essentially unchanged for 12 years, yet it aged remarkably well. With a muscular two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, the 4Runner looked every bit the sturdy off-roader it was meant to be, akin to a well-crafted tool that needs no redesign. With a broad trim spectrum, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, plus special editions like the Trail Special Edition, the 4Runner offered a price span from $36,950 for the base SR5 to $50,570 for the TRD Pro. Our test model, the Trail Special Edition, featured unique dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket that granted it additional utility and style.

Inside, the 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with black cloth upholstery accented with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and an exclusive 40-quart cooler. Though dominated by hard plastic, which suited its rugged nature, the 4Runner's interior was easy to clean and practical. The dashboard far from modern, housed large knobs and buttons suited for gloved operation. The experience was supplemented by a physical ignition key, reinforcing its old-school vibe. This simplicity and durability were endearing to its owners, promising longevity and reliability over decades of use.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, despite its hefty weight of 4,345 pounds, offered a compelling array of powertrains. The base model featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, outstripping competitors like the Kia Telluride. The Limited Hybrid trim elevated performance with a V6 hybrid drivetrain producing 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims housed a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, offering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with the sport-focused Explorer ST pushing the limits at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. However, the Explorer's strength lay in its towing capabilities, boasting a towing capacity between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, generated 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the 4Runner's primary appeal was its off-road prowess, demonstrated at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area. With off-road traction control systems such as A-Trac, the 4Runner effectively tackled challenging terrains. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims further enhanced off-road capabilities with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt clunky and sluggish, with cumbersome handling and frequent fuel stops due to its average fuel economy of 16.8 mpg and a maximum combined rating of 17 mpg.

For interior space and function, the 2021 Ford Explorer had an advantage with its accommodation for up to seven passengers in the base trim and six in others with second-row captain’s chairs. The second row offered 39 inches of legroom, ahead of many competitors but behind the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Even with the third row in use, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space, though the total cargo volume of 81 cubic feet with the seats folded was less impressive compared to others in its category.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was notable for its high ground clearance, which might pose a challenge for shorter passengers but added to its rugged appeal. The interior was comfortable with supportive seats, generous legroom, and good visibility. While a third-row seat was available, our test vehicle did not include it, opting instead for a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. The 4Runner excelled in cargo space with 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Combined with its external cargo basket, it provided ample room for various adventures.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came well-equipped even in its base trim. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard, featuring AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 system. The Limited trim added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and HD radio, with higher trims offering a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and up to 14 speakers. Charging options were plentiful with two USB ports in the center console and five 12-volt points, with the option of a 110-volt AC power outlet.

By comparison, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner in the Trail Special Edition was more basic technologically. It had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, search, and voice recognition, with a one-year subscription to service features. Although it lacked modern touches like a smart ignition, the tactile and straightforward interface suited its rugged personality.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2021 Ford Explorer, which achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It received top marks in crash tests and offered standard advanced safety features across all trims, including the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Higher trims included additional features with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), covering basic safety needs like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring, a crucial feature for safe lane changes. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with lower scores in small overlap collisions and frontal-impact passenger protection, though it maintained a good rating for roof strength.