2020 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Toyota RAV4

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 featured a bold, chunky design with sharp edges reminiscent of the Toyota Tacoma. Its aggressive and futuristic look conveyed strength, with taillights inspired by Lexus. The character line on the rear C-pillar was a common design trait, though not always visually appealing. Colour options included both monotone and two-tone schemes, with the latter featuring a contrasting roof. Inside, the RAV4's cabin was simple and elegant, with a floating touchscreen and a well-organized control pod.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Explorer refined its upscale, utilitarian design by slimming down body panels and enhancing its athletic appearance. The widened headlights and large grille gave it a recognizable face. The ST version, with black rims and red brake calipers, was particularly striking. However, the interior was less impressive, with materials that felt subpar for its price range. Despite this, the Explorer offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, especially in the second row, making it feel more luxurious.

The 2019 RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered two AWD options, with the torque-vectoring AWD providing enhanced off-road capabilities. The RAV4's engine was efficient, with a combined fuel consumption of 8.0 L/100 km. However, it lacked low-end power and felt sluggish in stop-and-go traffic. The ride was comfortable but had noticeable body roll and twitchy steering.

The 2020 Ford Explorer boasted a rear-wheel-drive chassis, enhancing weight distribution and handling. The ST trim featured a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth and addictive power. The Explorer offered multiple drive modes for various terrains and had a towing capacity of up to 2,540 kilograms. Fuel consumption for the V6 was higher, averaging 13.1 L/100 km. The Explorer's performance was impressive, with precise steering and flat cornering.

The RAV4's cabin was practical and upscale, with 1,064 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,976 litres with seats folded. It featured a well-organized centre stack and ample storage options. The RAV4's interior was functional, with deep bins and a hidden tray above the glove box.

The Explorer offered generous interior space, with comfortable seating for adults in all rows. Cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row but expanded to 2,491 litres with seats folded. The Explorer's interior was intuitive, with physical controls for climate and stereo, though visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars.

The 2019 RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen running Entune 3.0, offering Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The XLE trim added multiple USB ports, while higher trims featured larger screens and optional premium audio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real dials for volume and tuning.

The 2020 Explorer included an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The Explorer's tech was comprehensive but felt unfinished, with some features lacking customization.

The 2019 RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward-collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, setting a high standard for safety features.

The 2020 Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering similar safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.