2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a variety of eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded last year with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and for 2022, the ST-Line was introduced as a sporty variation of the popular XLT.

Our test vehicle was the Explorer King Ranch, boasting four-wheel drive (4WD), Rapid Red paint (an extra-cost option), a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to $59,880, including the destination charge.

The King Ranch’s emblems on the doors and liftgate, shiny 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, and quad exhaust outlets were among its distinctive visual cues. Despite these unique touches, the top-trim Explorer did not significantly differ visually from other models, which might not bother some buyers but could disappoint those seeking a more exclusive look.

The Explorer’s rear-drive platform enabled designers to craft a long and tall hood, a short front overhang, a rakish roofline, and a tapering greenhouse for a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars (except those directly behind the back doors) gave the Explorer a “floating roof” visual effect, a popular design element from the previous generation.

Inside, the Explorer King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, King Ranch branding marks on the seats and center armrest pad, and a distinctive chocolate brown over caramel interior color scheme. While the King Ranch’s cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, it mostly felt worthy of its near $60,000 price tag, although occasional glimpses of the base trim were evident.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) built on the SR5 Premium trim level, added $4,505 to the price of the SR5 Premium, and included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard 4WD system. The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, bronze exterior and interior badges, bronze seat and interior stitching, floor mats, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard.

Available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE exuded a retro vibe with yellow, orange, and red stripes and a SoCal aesthetic that appealed to younger drivers. The fifth-generation 4Runner’s enduring appeal was in its truck-based SUV look and stance, providing a purposeful interior with solid feel despite extensive plastic use. Controls were idiot-proof and glove-friendly.

Overall, the 4Runner’s retro flourishes, rugged appeal, and practical interior design made it an attractive option for those who appreciated nostalgic aesthetics and durability over modern refinement.

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 generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional 4WD, and had a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds while providing up to 24 mpg in combined driving.

The Explorer Limited trim had an efficient hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing a combined 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid could tow up to 5,000 pounds and return up to 27 mpg in combined driving, available in both RWD and 4WD configurations.

For those seeking enhanced performance, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available. Standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, this engine produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission, RWD or 4WD, and a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. The King Ranch 4WD tested vehicle had an official rating of 20 mpg and averaged 20.6 mpg on the test loop, offering satisfying acceleration, a pleasing exhaust note, and superior performance over the standard turbo-four.

The Explorer’s ride quality was robust and athletic, suitable for off-roading with a standard ground clearance of 7.9 inches and further improved in Timberline models, which offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The King Ranch trim maintained good handling and a comfortable ride for daily driving, making the 2022 Explorer more engaging than typical midsize, three-row crossovers.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission. The standard configuration was rear-wheel drive (RWD), with an optional 4WD system, offering a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 4Runner had a minimum ground clearance of nine inches, standard Hill-Start Assist Control, and with 4WD, added Downhill Assist Control and Active Traction Control. Various off-roading technologies were available: locking center and rear differentials, a Crawl Control system, and Multi-Terrain Select for wheel-spin management.

Specific trim levels like TRD Sport and Limited had on-road performance enhancements, while TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro focused on off-road articulation and high-speed dirt performance, respectively. During testing, the 4Runner demonstrated its off-roading prowess through thick mud and standing water, albeit with limitations in urban and suburban settings due to its lumbering acceleration, heavy and slow steering, and lack of tire grip.

Overall, while the 4Runner excelled in off-roading scenarios with its rugged hardware and durability, the Explorer provided a better blend of power, efficiency, and everyday driving comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer was well-suited for families of four, with occasional five-person capacity possible with the second-row bench seat. However, the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail made the third-row seat suitable primarily for children.

The King Ranch trim came fully equipped with all extras, including triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Massaging front seats were standard for the King Ranch, offering exceptional comfort. The second-row seats were equally accommodating, though the third-row was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom.

While practical storage within the cabin could have been better, Ford provided helpful features like a wireless charging pad and smartphone holder. The Explorer King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat. With the 50/50-split power-folding third-row seats flattening, cargo space expanded to 47.9 cubic feet, while both rows down offered a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique tailgate window that powered down, providing excellent flow-through ventilation when paired with the sunroof and automatic windows. Climbing into the 4Runner required effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable, especially in the second row, with good legroom and headroom.

The 4Runner offered various storage locations; however, a lack of rubber liners meant items tended to rattle. The second-row seat was roomy and comfortable, while the optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. We recommended skipping the third-row option for more cargo capacity.

The 4Runner's cargo space was practical, with a bumper doubling as a seat. Without the third-row seat, it provided a minimum of 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, slightly more capacious than the Explorer.

In the 2022 Ford Explorer, Ford offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system. The base version with an 8-inch touchscreen was well integrated, while the optional 10.1-inch screen appeared more like an afterthought. Our tested King Ranch included full Sync 3 features: remote engine start, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, surround-view camera system, and a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker premium sound system.

Despite a wide array of tech features, the Explorer's old Sync 3 system showed its age, especially in voice recognition, which struggled with basic navigation and music commands. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and Active Park Assist 2.0 for autonomous parking.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, compatible with Amazon Alexa and offered several connected services and WiFi hotspot functionality. The audio systems, including an optional JBL premium sound setup, were bass-heavy but adjustable.

While the 4Runner's technology was straightforward and user-friendly, the old-school style was a contrast to the more modern but occasionally frustrating tech in the Explorer.

The 2022 Ford Explorer achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for all trim levels. It lacked complete crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2022, but previously earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which garnered a four-star rating.

Every Explorer had Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. Additional features included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions.

The system worked smoothly, though it occasionally nagged about steering wheel grip and was overcautious in traffic braking. In road tests, the semi-autonomous tech performed reliably, though it occasionally disengaged during sharp bends.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense features: forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

During testing, the adaptive cruise control performed well, but lane-departure warnings could be annoying. The 4Runner’s crash-test ratings were less favorable, earning a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance.