2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly altered its appearance, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver appearing somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed it into a playful "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, complete with physical dials and buttons. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a variety of seating materials. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, with higher trims featuring a panoramic version.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design with a refreshed front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. New LED taillights and a variety of wheel designs enhanced its modern look. Inside, the Explorer's updates improved its ambiance, with competitive colors, materials, and displays. Ford reduced the trim levels to four, including the new base Active trim, sporty ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505. During a driving event in Michigan, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages impressed with its Vapor Blue paint and performance features.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, using the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor. It delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim offered 4WD with off-road capabilities, while other trims required an additional cost for 4WD. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with various towing upgrades available.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, while the ST and optional Platinum trim had a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD. The ST-Line averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes in the ST-Line Street Package. The Explorer ST showcased its capabilities on an autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered automatic power-deploying running boards on higher trims, aiding entry. Cargo space maxed out at 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid battery, reduced headroom and legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench for seven. The ST-Line featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather and cloth inserts. The Premium Package added amenities like heated seats and a power-folding third row. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but storage space was competitive, with a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed via an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and Panoramic View monitor were standard, with a 10-inch head-up display available on higher trims. The JBL Premium Audio system was standard on upper trims.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and app downloads available. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and higher trims boasting 14 speakers.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. Safety ratings were pending, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360+ with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with large trucks. Safety ratings were incomplete, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA.