2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, available in six models for Canadians, showcased a design based on a rear-drive platform, resulting in a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline. This design gave the Explorer a taut, athletic appearance, complemented by blacked-out roof pillars for a "floating roof" effect. The Explorer's cabin, especially in higher trims, offered a mix of quality materials, though some elements hinted at its base trim origins. The Explorer's design and features aimed to provide a robust and athletic driving experience, appealing to those seeking a more traditional SUV feel.

The 2021 Toyota 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 standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, but its suspension articulation and approach angles limited its off-road prowess.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, producing a combined 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and Platinum trims boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and its athletic handling made it engaging to drive, especially in the sport-tuned ST model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided a competitive amount of headroom and outward visibility, thanks to its tall, upright roof. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage space on the console.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited legroom and accessibility. Higher trims included features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, with limited centre console space and missing opportunities for additional storage. Cargo space was generous, with 528 litres behind the third row, 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen. The RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought, while the smaller screen integrated well with the interior. The Explorer offered FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. Higher trims included wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Explorer's Sync 3 system lagged behind Ford's newer Sync 4 technology, particularly in voice recognition and command functionality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year, the Explorer received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist.