VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
278hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
—
Towing
5000lbs
6000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4runner is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Toyota 4runner produces 278hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $38,465 for the Explorer and $56,700 for the 4runner. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford ExplorerActive RWD 2026 - From $38,465
Toyota 4runnerLimited 2WD (Natl) 2026 - From $56,700
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
194.9in
Width (in)
78.9in
77.9in
Height (in)
69.6in
73.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4730lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
6000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
4runner
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($38,465)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota 4runner
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or 4runner?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the 4runner delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and 4runner?
The Explorer starts from $38,465 and the 4runner from $56,700. The Explorer is cheaper by $18,235 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or 4runner?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the 4runner can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the 4runner?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.