2022 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Ford Explorer's visual and interior appeal spanned eight models, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. For 2022, the lineup stretched further with the introduction of the sporty ST-Line, alongside the previously added rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims.

Testing the Explorer King Ranch revealed a stylish SUV, accentuated with four-wheel drive (4WD), Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, culminating in an MSRP of $59,880 inclusive of the destination charge. Its King Ranch emblems adorned the doors and liftgate, while shiny 20-inch 10-spoke wheels and quad exhaust outlets gave it a distinct flair. Overall, it presented an appealing package despite limited differentiation from lower trims.

The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, showcased a long, tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and a tapering greenhouse, bestowing it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars (except those behind the rear doors) gave the floating roof visual effect.

Inside, the King Ranch sported exclusive Del Rio leather with lasso-perforated inserts, emblazoned with King Ranch branding on seats and center pad. The leather's chocolate brown over caramel combination was striking but singular, forcing alternatives like the Platinum trim for different tastes. Despite its eclectic mix of quality and questionable materials, the cabin largely justified its near-$60,000 price tag, though traces of base-trim components occasionally emerged.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner traced its origins to the 1980s SUV craze, steadfastly adhering to its rugged construction and association with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike newer SUVs morphing into high-riding wagons, the 4Runner retained its adventurous spirit, offering a niche alternative for those venturing off-road, thanks to Toyota's extensive crossover lineup with models like the Highlander for family duties.

Embodying adventure, the 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized functionality. Inside, the design was reminiscent of a bygone era, with a dash layout indicative of its last redesign in 2009.

The 2022 4Runner trims ranged from SR5 to the road-oriented Limited. The SR5 featured essentials like push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features like a third-row seat (optional on select trims) provided flexibility.

Testing the Trail Special Edition revealed 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a unique paint scheme, Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, a sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage, a premium accessory cooler, and all-weather floor mats. The TRD Sport's road-oriented touches and the TRD Off-Road and Pro models' off-road focus underscored the 4Runner's versatility. The range-topping Limited offered luxury amenities while maintaining some off-road capability.

In 2022, the Ford Explorer offered three powertrain choices. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims housed a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional 4WD, with a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving.

An efficient hybrid powertrain, available on the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 with electric propulsion, yielding 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, towing up to 5,000 pounds, and delivering up to 27 mpg in combined driving. It also paired with a 10-speed automatic and offered both RWD and 4WD.

For maximum towing and acceleration, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 powering the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch models delivered 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or 4WD, boasted a tow capacity of 5,600 pounds and a maximum fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, according to EPA ratings.

Our 4WD King Ranch test vehicle was rated at 20 mpg, averaging 20.6 mpg in testing. The twin-turbo V6 offered ample power, satisfying acceleration, and a pleasing exhaust note, but the hybrid powertrain was recommended for its blend of power, efficiency, and capability, although it was unavailable in the King Ranch trim.

In ride quality, the Explorer exhibited traditional SUV behavior with robust handling on and off-road. Despite its 7.9-inch ground clearance, it managed moderate off-road terrain adeptly. Specialized for off-road, the Timberline models offered superior ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.

Daily driving in the Explorer King Ranch proved engaging, with a sporty feel in corners and curves. For driving enthusiasts, the Explorer ST with its High-Performance package was recommended.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a singular engine, a 4.0-liter V6 outputting 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission driving either the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. Though reliable, this dated powertrain felt underwhelming in most driving scenarios, except for a strong launch.

The 4Runner's ride, reminiscent of traditional trucks and SUVs, felt harsh with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, these characteristics were appreciated by some for their nostalgic appeal. Off-road, these critiques dissipated, with the suspension effectively absorbing rough terrain. TRD Pro and Off-Road models further enhanced off-road capability with Crawl Control and a locking differential. Towing capacity stood at 5,000 pounds, surpassing most car-based crossovers but lagging behind pickup trucks.

For interior comfort, the 2022 Ford Explorer accommodated families of four with ease. A second-row bench seat expanded occasional seating to five. However, the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail restricted the third-row seat's use to children only.

Our King Ranch test model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats. With 14-way power adjustments for drivers and eight-way for front passengers, the front seats offered exceptional comfort for long drives. The second row was nearly as comfortable, but adults found the third-row seat cramped and inaccessible.

Practical storage was a mixed bag, with insufficient use of available space for storage solutions. While some thoughtful storage options existed, such as built-in rear seat cupholders, there was a notable lack of practical pockets, shelves, cubbies, and hooks.

The King Ranch's hands-free power liftgate revealed 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up. Folding the third-row seats increased space to 47.9 cubic feet, and with both rear rows flat, the Explorer offered 87.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the two-row model. With the second-row seats up, this figure dropped to 47.2 cubic feet. For the three-row variant, maximum cargo space was 88.8 cubic feet with 46.3 behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the third row. The third-row seat, optional on SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims, expanded seating to seven.

Despite not having a power rear liftgate, the 4Runner featured a convenient power-open/close rear window for easy access. Given its age, the 4Runner's cabin efficiency lagged behind modern SUVs, offering ample but less optimized space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with two Sync 3 infotainment system versions. The base version had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the premium option sported a 10.1-inch display. The smaller screen was well-integrated into the dashboard, whereas the larger screen appeared tacked on.

Our King Ranch had comprehensive Sync 3 features, including FordPass Connect with remote engine start, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot (extra cost), Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The Sync 3 system, however, lagged behind the newer Sync 4, especially in voice recognition functionalities.

Additional tech in the King Ranch included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0 for autonomous parking. An available rear-seat entertainment system with dual displays was also notable.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. Upgrades were limited to navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL audio system. Though less advanced, the system’s layout and tactile controls appealed to those appreciating simplicity, particularly for driving with gloves. However, advanced features like a head-up display were absent.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for all trims. While NHTSA had not published complete ratings, the previous year's Explorer achieved five-star ratings across most categories, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

Standard safety in the Explorer included Ford Co-Pilot360, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

Additional safety included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The safety tech worked well, though steering wheel sensitivity to driver presence required improvement.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offered standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. TRD Pro included an off-road camera system.

NHTSA rated the 4Runner with four stars for frontal and side-impact tests and three stars for rollover tests. IIHS had not reviewed the 2022 4Runner. Toyota's warranty covered five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain.