If fuel cost matters most
Ford Explorer with up to 25 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer
Toyota 4Runner and Ford Explorer answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Explorer is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the Explorer reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Toyota 4Runner | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1984 - present | 1990 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 326 hp | 400 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 23 MPG | 25 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | NR | NR |
| Open recalls (2025/2020) | 1 | 33 |
| Latest dimensions | 4950 × 1976 × 1798 mm | 5049 × 2004 × 1775 mm |
| Average curb weight | 2280 kg (5027 lbs) | 2117 kg (4667 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Gasoline, Hybrid Gasoline | Petrol, Hybrid |
If power matters most
Ford Explorer with a verified peak of 400 hp.
If safety is the filter
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Toyota 4RunnerToyota 4Runner (N380 6th Gen) i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo 4WD (SR5/TRD Off-Road) | Ford ExplorerExplorer VI (U625) 2.3L EcoBoost AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Gasoline | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | Inline-4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.4L (2393 cc) | 2.3L (2261 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 278 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 420 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 7.1 s | 6.0 s |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | 8-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (Direct Shift-8A | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | — |
| Drivetrain | Part-Time | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 20.0 MPG | 20.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 24.0 MPG | 27.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 22.0 MPG | 23.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | — | — |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4950 mm | 5049 mm |
| Width | 1976 mm | 2004 mm |
| Height | 1798 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm | 3025 mm |
| Curb Weight | 2180 kg | 1970 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 5 / 5 | 5 / 7 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 4Runner or the Explorer?
Ford Explorer wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 25 MPG, versus 23 MPG for the Toyota 4Runner.
Which has more horsepower, the 4Runner or the Explorer?
Ford Explorer reaches the higher verified peak at 400 hp, compared with 326 hp for the Toyota 4Runner.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.