Details about the 2020 Explorer are coming out and it seems to be a more direct competitor to the 4Runner than in the past.

2020 Ford Explorer – All-New Fourth Generation

https://www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/2...-ar184102.html

2020 Ford Explorer Gets Evolutionary Redesign - Consumer Reports

A few of the highlights:

• Move to rear wheel drive
• Five trim levels
• The base engine will have 300HP with 5300 Lb towing capacity
• "Terrain Management System," which can be set using a knob in the center console area, has up to seven different modes including deep snow and sand, slippery, sport and an "eco" mode for fuel-efficient driving.
• 8 inch ground clearance
• wheel base increased 6.3" while overall length unchanged (5.4" shorter front overhang)
• Plus plenty of bells and whistles standard: Standard kit includes pre-collision warning, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlamps, along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi with connections for up to 10 devices.

Let the debate begin!

300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque is impressive from a 4cyl., as is 365 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque from a V6. Still not a fan of how it looks though.

nope
26% avg frequency of repair for a 5th gen 4runner vs. 114% avg frequency of repair for a 5th gen Explorer... I don't think Ford is going to come close on the #1 reason I bought a 4Runner.

To be honest, there is no comparison there. Your comparing a very well built suv in Japan to American junk. 🤦*♂️

Amen. Doesn’t even compare. Those two cars shouldn’t even be in the same sentence.

No. It is Highlander and Pilot competition.

All three are very nice cars. But not something you will drive across Africa like LandCruiser Prado (I wish that what was sold here. GX is hideous and simple mods like sliders and winch are a pain).

Ford are good cars.

Yes, usually....and the 2020 unibody Explorer is a car in suv clothing and as mentioned competition for the Highlander.

If it's still a unibody with an independent rear suspension it will not compete with the 4Runner. No matter how badly the automotive media wants it to.

im not 'down' on Fords in any way, i own a 2003 F150 that has served me extremely well.

it just looks like Ford has either given up on, or is set to move their 'off roading' segmented vehicles to something other than the explorer. the Explorer looks like it is solidly being made to compete with on-road family hauling SUVs, and not off roaders at all. they are making it their central vehicle for family day to day, all the way up to sudo lux ride. We all have read the rumors of the new Ford Bronco coming, and seen the reviews of the coming Ranger and its off-roadiness. It seems ford has relieved the Explorer of having to cover those duties, and simply needs the AWDing for snow and dirt roads.

As far as its looks, meh...it looks nice enough. But to its core, its still a big car to me, and there is nothing wrong with that. its just NOT competing with trucks that are made to go into the dirt on purpose.

personally, i still dont get how it is suppose to sway driver distraction by putting a full on iPad sized device right in the line of sight of the driver. these companies keep talking about putting 'tech' into a car, and all i think is "why the heck are you putting all of this media stuff in there, when the person behind the wheel is suppose to be putting DOWN devices?"

or is it just me.

10 speed Auto Probably the only thing that would make the Explorer a pick over the T4r for most of the public (assuming the gas milage would be that much better). Off road I would think the T4r would be much better. We still have a frame.

The explorer can't touch the 4runner on reliability and longevity. So nah, its not competition.

The explorer, and especially cars like Acadia are for midwestern rural farm families. That's the only thing the wives drive besides the tahoe or occasional suburban. Men drive diesel pickups. Many areas are dirt road and not even plowed so awd larger car makes sense.

Ford does not intend it to compete with the 4runner. It is built with a different segment in mind. It's a crossover with good power, lots of room and AWD options for winter roads. That's it.

I like Ford and I like their interiors. Their tech is some of the best.

The upcoming Ford Bronco will be the real competitor to the T4R.