2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Ford Explorer stood out with its refined and athletic design. The widened headlights, prominent grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable, confident face. The ST version with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, and quad exhaust pipes added a sleek, aggressive look that was undeniably attractive. However, the Explorer’s interior didn’t match its handsome exterior. Despite the $60,000 price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with much of the cabin covered in rough-grained plastic, harsh trim, and low-quality leather. The aluminum speaker covers and some white stitching tried to elevate the aesthetics, but it was not enough to deliver a real touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a utilitarian and robust exterior design, reminiscent of a timeless off-roader. Its visual simplicity, marked by tall slab sides, a high beltline, and flared wheel wells, spoke to its rugged, go-anywhere attitude. The design included practical elements like short overhangs for better off-road capability, though there were non-functional details like the hood scoop. The 4Runner offered various trim options catering to different tastes, from the stealthy Nightshade and Venture Special Editions to the more comfort-focused Limited trim. Inside, the 4Runner followed its rugged exterior with large, easy-to-use knobs and controls. While offering leather seating in higher trims, it still couldn’t escape its plastic-heavy, utilitarian roots, especially noticeable in the basic, uncomfortable third-row seats meant for occasional use.

The 2020 Ford Explorer gained significant performance points with its rear-wheel-drive chassis and a choice of robust engines. The Explorer ST shined with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup, along with the tuned suspension and crisp steering, made the Explorer ST a dynamic and nimble SUV. Ford also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, and a hybrid variant combining a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. However, the fuel efficiency on the V6 models was mediocre, averaging 18 mpg over 960 mostly highway miles.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, meanwhile, operated with a straightforward 4.0-liter V6 engine across all trims, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, managed by a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not about smooth performance but about reliability and durability, allowing for up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The 4Runner's strength was off-road capability, thanks to its body-on-frame construction, part-time 4WD system in TRD models, and advanced off-road features like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its fuel efficiency was poor, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and a combined 17 mpg.

The Ford Explorer excelled in terms of interior space and functionality. On a road trip, the Explorer comfortably accommodated three adults with ample space for camera gear and other belongings. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing passenger comfort. The third row was more spacious than in previous models, suitable for six-foot-tall adults on short journeys. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet with the second row folded, and expanded to 88 cubic feet with all seats down—one of the largest in its class.

Conversely, the Toyota 4Runner, while designed more for off-road enthusiasts, did not compromise on interior visibility and practicality. It offered a tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches, making it easier to maneuver than many competitors. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons for easy use, but the high seating position and power-retractable running boards could be challenging for shorter passengers to navigate. The optional third-row seats in the 4Runner were narrow, thin, and lacked sufficient legroom, making them suitable only for short, occasional use. When it came to cargo, the 4Runner did not extend its practicality deep into cargo space compared to the Explorer.

Ford equipped the 2020 Explorer with an impressive suite of technological features. An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi were standard. The Premium Technology Package in the ST and Platinum models added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While innovative in appearance, these screens lacked substantial customization options. Despite some user-friendliness, the semi-automated Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system required improvements to match competitors' effectiveness fully.

For the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, Toyota updated the infotainment system to include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Yet, Toyota’s navigation system wasn't always intuitive compared to smartphone navigation options, which were easier and provided more accurate directions. The 4Runner’s technological features were functional, but they lagged behind more modern competitors in the market. The focus remained on off-road capabilities with features like the part-time 4WD system and advanced traction control systems.

The 2020 Ford Explorer benefited from Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist as standard. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, although the latter occasionally misfired, causing driver frustration. The Explorer received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver’s side.

Safety on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was enhanced with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It came with eight standard airbags, improving occupant protection. NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall but only three out of five in rollover tests. Similarly, IIHS rated the SUV Good in all crash tests except for Marginal in the small overlap front: driver-side test.