2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution initiated in its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, retained its rugged design with a more industrial personality. The exterior featured deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, offering a purposeful and comfortable cabin. While there was an abundance of hard plastic, the materials were of higher quality than some competitors. The 4Runner's design focused on durability and practicality, making it suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optional Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic delivered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, offering a delightful ride and handling experience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came with two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The more potent i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with various trims offering different levels of off-road prowess.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massage seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with minimal gains in passenger space. The front seats offered ample room, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, but space was limited. The cockpit was well-organized, with easy-to-use controls. Off-road controls were grouped together for convenience. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly smaller, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the hybrid due to the battery placement.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and the system was user-friendly. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch touchscreen available. Both were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models featured external camera views for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function was available.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The ST-Line and higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA, but full ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional. Crash test results were not available, but the Tacoma, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.