2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic experience with its classic design and luxurious interior. The standard model, finished in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery, presented a blend of old-school charm and modern comfort. Its exterior, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, featured oversized headlights and taillights, with chrome accents adding a touch of flair. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined high-quality materials with a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements, including a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, evoking a sense of timelessness.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch exuded a more contemporary and athletic appearance. Its design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a sleek roofline, creating a dynamic and sporty look. The King Ranch trim added exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, enhancing the interior's luxurious feel. Despite some mixed materials, the cabin mostly lived up to its premium price tag, offering a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering a smooth and quiet ride. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and various traction control systems ensured optimal performance on challenging terrains. Despite its nearly 3-ton weight, the SUV handled well on pavement, offering a refined driving experience akin to a Lexus. It boasted a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, making it a formidable choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, with the King Ranch trim featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, provided robust acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note. The Explorer's ride quality was solid, handling both on-road and off-road conditions with ease. Its towing capacity reached 5,600 pounds, and the SUV offered a more engaging driving experience than typical midsize crossovers. The hybrid powertrain, though not available on the King Ranch, offered a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The SUV's tall seating position provided a commanding view, while the second-row bench offered ample space and comfort. The third-row seat, though accommodating adults with some adjustments, lacked leg support for long journeys. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate added convenience for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch catered to families with its comfortable seating and advanced features. The front seats offered massaging functions and power adjustments, while the second-row captain's chairs provided additional comfort. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited access and legroom. The Explorer's cargo space measured 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. Practical storage within the cabin was limited, but the hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. While functional, it lacked modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was straightforward, with large buttons and knobs for easy control. The rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, offered DVD playback and HDMI connections. The 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short of high-end competitors.

The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch came equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, available with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim added wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system struggled with certain commands, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4 technology.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a robust safety package with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Land Cruiser lacked advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, which were becoming standard in its price range. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, showcasing its strong safety credentials. Equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, the Explorer offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centering assist occasionally disengaged on curvy roads.