2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and red brake calipers, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite the high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a more balanced approach to style and functionality. While its exterior design was not particularly distinctive, it had a tough, rugged look that was complemented by its practical and stylish interior. The cabin featured a mix of quality materials, though some hard plastics were present. The RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable and functional interior with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls. Despite a few minor issues, such as a rattle from the license plate, the RAV4 Hybrid's interior was generally well-received for its practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis contributed to its nimble handling and flat cornering, making it a standout in its class. However, the fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with the ST trim rated at 13.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 L/100 km on the highway. The Explorer also offered a hybrid option, but it did not provide significant fuel savings compared to the non-hybrid models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with electric motors to produce 219 horsepower. While not as powerful as the Explorer, the RAV4 Hybrid's instant electric-motor torque made it feel lively during acceleration. It excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The RAV4 Hybrid's continuously variable transmission operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. Despite its lower power output, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable and agreeable driving experience, with a relatively flat cornering stance and favourable driving dynamics.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious with features like air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row could accommodate adults for short trips, though the bench was not ideal for long journeys. The Explorer's cargo space was impressive, offering 509 litres behind the third row and expanding to 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The dashboard featured physical knobs and switches for easy control, though the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front cushions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and air conditioning vents for added comfort. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided 1,059 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. While the cargo area was roomy, the premium sound system's subwoofer took up some space.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped 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. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked customization options and felt unfinished. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a choice of infotainment systems, with the top-tier option featuring an 8-inch display and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dynamic navigation. The display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy access. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While the system was generally effective, some functions behaved erratically in heavy traffic. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.