I’d stick with Toyota for reliability.
I don’t think it’s fair to compare these two, really. One’s a unibody, one’s body-on-frame with a solid rear axle. The Explorer’s always going to be better for on-road, people-carrying tasks.
It just depends on what you need it for.
Nope!
Honestly? Because I couldn’t afford the 4Runner. It was my first choice.
Isan said:
Honestly? Because I couldn’t afford the 4Runner. It was my first choice.
I’m going used anyway, given the miles I put on.
Isan said:
Honestly? Because I couldn’t afford the 4Runner. It was my first choice.
I’m going used anyway, given the miles I put on.
Same here. I got a 2010 Explorer. Was looking at 03-09 4Runners, but the Explorer was half the price. Couldn’t justify the extra cost.
Explorer’s cheaper upfront and way cheaper used. But the 4Runner’s the king of resale.
I’ve owned both, mainly because of my kids. Right now, I prefer the Explorer…for now.
The 4Runner’s third row is basically useless. The Ford’s third row is okay for short trips, even for adults.
I had a 2016 4Runner, and the lack of air vents was brutal—none in the third row and only two in the second. My kids were roasting after soccer games, and it didn’t help that the baby seat was in the middle. Toyota’s reliability is great, but they were really behind on features.
I’ll probably get a newer 4Runner once the kids start driving themselves, but for now, the Explorer is just better for us. Only downside? There’s a lot of road noise, especially after I put roof rails on. And every time you turn it on, you have to disable that feature that turns the engine off when you stop.
I was actually choosing between those two, and I couldn’t stand how small the interior of the 4Runner felt. Ended up going with the Explorer, and I love it.
It looks better, drives better, rides better. Not much more to it.
Larkin said:
It looks better, drives better, rides better. Not much more to it.
How about things like water pumps, resale value, and reliability?
Larkin said:
It looks better, drives better, rides better. Not much more to it.
How about things like water pumps, resale value, and reliability?
If you’re worried about resale, go for a warranty or a lease. I have a 2020 Platinum, and I’ve had just one issue with sensors, which was covered by the warranty. Extended warranty will also cover water pumps.
Larkin said:
It looks better, drives better, rides better. Not much more to it.
How about things like water pumps, resale value, and reliability?
Feels like you’re trying to talk yourself out of the Ford. Just go with the 4Runner and call it a day.
I’m currently renting an Explorer, and I was honestly shocked by how bad it is.
- Feels mushy on turns
- Transmission jerks at every shift
- Electronics are glitchy (radio suddenly gets really loud)
- Climate controls are strange
- Headlight seal is already broken with water inside
The heated seats and steering wheel get so hot it’s a bit worrying. Can’t wait to get my 11-year-old Tacoma back.
@Ash
Yeah, I have my concerns about build quality and maintenance costs. I just really enjoy the ride of the Explorer.
@Ash
I’m on my 10th Explorer, and I’ve never had these kinds of issues. Solid, reliable, and always gets the job done.
Rowan said:
@Ash
I’m on my 10th Explorer, and I’ve never had these kinds of issues. Solid, reliable, and always gets the job done.
This one’s a rental, so maybe that’s part of it. But it doesn’t look like it’s held up well.
@Ash
Probably been abused and not maintained well—happens with rentals. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you. (Is it a 2020 early build?)
I’ve never had a 4Runner, but I have experience with both brands.
I had an Explorer, and honestly, it lived up to its nickname as an ‘Exploder’. Now I’ve got a RAV4 Prime and don’t plan on going back, though I’ll miss the Explorer’s storage space. For a big vehicle, it was surprisingly easy to handle.
If you do go with a turbo Explorer, stay on top of oil changes and maintenance. Also, maybe do a quick search on ‘Ford turbo problems’.
Another issue with the Explorer is range. Good mileage, but the tank isn’t big. Mine got around 260 miles per tank, a bit more on the highway. My RAV4 gets around 550-600 miles on a full tank and battery combo.
@Macon
That wasn’t a popular answer, but it does address some of my concerns. Maybe the Highlander is worth a look. I do like Ford’s build quality on the domestic side. Better MPG and comfort than the 4Runner, but yeah, they don’t hold value and have more issues.