2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a refined, upscale design that made it more attractive than its competitors. Its athletic appearance was enhanced by widened headlights, a large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood. The ST version, with its black rims and red brake calipers, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price, the materials felt subpar, with low-grade leather and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious options available at similar price points.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless, utilitarian design with its tall slab sides and high beltline. Its off-road capabilities were evident in its flared wheel wells and short overhangs, although the hood scoop was purely aesthetic. The 4Runner's interior was functional, with large knobs and buttons for easy control, but it lacked the luxury feel of more modern SUVs. The Limited package added leather upholstery and chrome accents, but the overall feel remained utilitarian. The 4Runner's design prioritized off-road performance over luxury, making it a practical choice for adventure seekers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that provided balanced weight distribution. The ST trim featured a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's handling was nimble, with precise steering and flat cornering, making it a standout in its class. The 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 300 hp, was also available, along with a hybrid option. The Explorer's towing capacity varied from 2,268 to 2,540 kilograms, depending on the engine choice. With seven drive modes, the Explorer catered to various driving conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, built on a truck chassis, featured a 4-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While not designed for fuel efficiency, the 4Runner excelled in off-road performance, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner's towing capacity matched the Explorer's hybrid option at 2,268 kilograms. On-road, the 4Runner exhibited significant body roll and vague steering, but its off-road prowess made it a favourite among adventure enthusiasts.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row offered a first-class experience with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row but remained one of the largest in its class. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, despite some visibility issues caused by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, essential for off-roading. Its tall front seat position provided a commanding view, although climbing in and out could be challenging without power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner's optional third row was best suited for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and comfort. The dashboard featured large, easy-to-use controls, but the steering-wheel buttons lacked illumination, making them difficult to use in the dark. The 4Runner's interior prioritized functionality over luxury, appealing to those seeking adventure over comfort.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system lacked customization options, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system needed improvement. Despite these shortcomings, the Explorer's tech was on the verge of greatness with potential software updates.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a much-needed tech update with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota's proprietary system was user-friendly, the onboard navigation system was less efficient than smartphone alternatives. The 4Runner also offered Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. Although the 4Runner's tech lagged behind competitors, its advanced off-road features were its true strength, catering to those who prioritized adventure over in-car technology.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS rated it Good in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.