2022 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Ford Explorer lineup included eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and for 2022, the Explorer ST-Line was introduced, adding a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested here, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880, including the destination charge.

Visually, the King Ranch was distinguished by its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long, tall hood and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, reflecting its near $60,000 price point.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, launched in North America in 1996, evolved from a tiny alternative to big SUVs into a mature crossover SUV. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the U.S. While its exterior styling blended with current crossover designs, details like angular wheel arches and expressive headlights set it apart. The RAV4's fit-and-finish elevated its exterior quality.

Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. A touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal driver distraction. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tying together various cabin elements. The Adventure-trim test vehicle had 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive look.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds.

The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid came with RWD or 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

For those prioritizing acceleration and towing capacity, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic, RWD or 4WD, and could tow up to 5,600 lbs, with a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg.

The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling bumps and off-road terrain well. The King Ranch model, with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, tackled moderately challenging terrain using the Trail setting. For daily driving, the Explorer felt athletic, with the sport-tuned ST model offering enhanced performance features.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model, tested here, used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD, with AWD available. Fuel economy for FWD models was 30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net hp, with AWD and an eCVT. The Hybrid's EPA fuel-economy rating was 40 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, with a 2.5-liter engine and an 18.1-kWh battery pack, produced 302 hp, with AWD and an eCVT. The Prime's EPA ratings were 38 mpg combined, with up to 42 miles of electric-only range and 94 MPGe combined.

The Adventure AWD test vehicle's four-cylinder engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and no turbo lag. The eight-speed transmission offered familiar sensations and quick kickdowns during acceleration. The RAV4 retained car-like handling, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats.

The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, suitable for long-distance driving, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The RAV4 had a healthy payload of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with the ability to carry five in a pinch. The front row offered ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom, with plenty of storage options. The second-row split-folding bench seat's middle position was less comfortable but not unbearable.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Additional tech included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system.

However, the Sync 3 system showed its age, with voice recognition issues and limited functionality. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0. An available rear-seat entertainment system included dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio were standard.

Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, with Premium Audio setups available on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE, featuring an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and blue ambient illumination. The top trim also offered a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year’s model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including 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 features included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification. The RAV4 had eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the RAV4 Prime achieving a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.