Trying to Decide… Ford Explorer or RAV4?

I love the gas mileage of the RAV4 Hybrid, but it’s not exactly powerful—which is expected with that kind of fuel economy. On the other hand, the Explorer has better towing capacity and more power.

How have Explorers been in terms of durability? I see a lot of people saying RAV4s last longer, but I’d rather hear from actual owners.

These two aren’t really in the same category. My mom has a RAV4, and I have an Explorer ST. I’ve driven hers a lot, including a ten-hour road trip.

The RAV4 is reliable but boring and slow. The Explorer ST, on the other hand, is fun, roomy, and powerful—but it hasn’t been the most reliable.

Even with that, I’d take the ST every time. Toyotas are great for reliability, but if you actually like driving, they’re kind of soul-sucking.

@Mackenzie
My ST has been rock solid—40k miles, no issues, and I’m running an E50 tune making 500 HP!

@Mackenzie
V6 Camry was actually fun to drive, in my experience.

They’re two totally different vehicles. The Explorer is bigger, faster, tows more, and has more space—but it’s also more expensive.

Ask yourself what you really need. Do you need the extra space and power, or do you just want it?

@Avery
That’s the issue—I don’t know exactly what I need. I like the idea of the Explorer’s capabilities, but I don’t know how often I’d actually use them. And then there’s the reliability factor to consider. :thinking:

@Moe
If you’re not keeping it for 10 years or 100k miles, reliability won’t really be an issue. Also, Toyota reliability is way overhyped. They just recalled 100,000 trucks and SUVs for engine failures.

@Auden
Same deal with Subaru.

@Moe
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Jasper said:
@Moe
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Exactly what I’m thinking.

@Moe
Yeah, exactly.

It’s like comparing a two-door convertible to a Corolla. They serve very different purposes.

I got the Explorer because it’s more comfortable and I like the extra space. That was a personal choice for me, though.

@Avery
That’s a big selling point for me too. I’m 6’1”, and most of my height is in my legs, so extra legroom is always a win. Plus, the extra cargo space is great for camping.

Coworker has a RAV4, I have an Explorer. His SUV is fine, but I needed something bigger for my three German Shepherds.

Owned a Toyota for 10 years and never had a single issue outside of normal maintenance. My dad has a 2015 Tacoma, I have a 2015 Explorer Sport. His has more miles, but mine has been in the shop at least three times. :man_shrugging:

@Chase
Thanks!

My wife has a RAV4, and I have an Explorer 4WD Limited. We love camping, and the RAV4 just doesn’t have the space. The 4WD in the Explorer has gotten us through some rough spots—without it, we would’ve been stuck.

Also, way more room for the kids. I’m even thinking about upgrading to an Excursion. But at the end of the day, it’s your call.

@Dakota
Thanks!

Are you financing? Leasing? How long do you plan to keep it? Do you care about performance?

My best friend has a RAV4 XLE, and I drive a 2024 Explorer ST. I can comfortably afford my lease and the extra gas, so losing MPG in exchange for 400 HP and way more space is worth it for me.

@Marlow
Yeah, I think I’m leaning toward the Explorer. After driving both, it’s just so much nicer, and the Co-Pilot 360 features are great.

RAV4 is a much smaller SUV. People get the Explorer for the size, seats, cargo space, and towing. If you don’t need any of that, save the $10k+ and get the smaller SUV.

Think hard about how much you’ll actually tow. A lot of people assume they’ll tow more than they actually do.

If power is what you want, keep in mind you’ll need to get the ST trim on the Explorer, which is another big jump in price.

The RAV4 is insanely popular for a reason. This is really an apples-to-oranges comparison.