2010 4Runner vs 2011 Explorer

[adoihcj]

But the Explorer has LED tail lights!

I was behind an explorer yesterday and saw the LED's. They are not very bright, and the interesting thing is the turn signal is amber and is in the middle of the outlined red LED's. Thought it was very cool. And by the looks of it, the amber turn signal was also an LED.

While comparing the new Explorer to the 4R is like comparing apples to oranges, I have to admit I wish my 4R had the LEDs the way the Explorer uses them. I do not like LEDs on 4th gen 4Rs because they are too bright when you are behind one.

 

[westwind77]

I have to admit I wish my 4R had the LEDs the way the Explorer uses them. I do not like LEDs on 4th gen 4Rs because they are too bright when you are behind one.

Did I miss the optional telescopic steering column that allows you to drive the 4R from behind the rear of the vehicle? That is the only time I see my own brake lights. I don't care what anyone behind thinks me thinks! :lookout:

 

[M1911]

I'm putting the debate to bed for all to witness. May it rest in peace in SUV heaven. Don't bother looking at the FJ, look at the MINIVAN next to it and compare ground clearance. Explorer FAIL!

Since the majority of Explorer owners will never take their CUV offroad, I'd say that it is a Ford success. It has all the capability 99% of its owners will ever need.

 

[4RBob]

Since the majority of Explorer owners will never take their CUV offroad, I'd say that it is a Ford success. It has all the capability 99% of its owners will ever need.

I think they will lose more tow-ers than off-roaders.

 

[AustinCyclist]

Thoughts on this comparison?
http://twitpic.com/42z7zj
http://twitpic.com/42z7zj/full

 

[scanny]

Since the majority of Explorer owners will never take their CUV offroad, I'd say that it is a Ford success. It has all the capability 99% of its owners will ever need.

Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see that pre-2011 Explorer owners could possible like 2011 Explorer. Especially because Ford already has Flex with available AWD so people who like car like handling and minivan size bought Flex already.

 

[Koz]

There has been a $hit load of Explorers sold and the name sells. As far as comparing it to a 4Runner is ridiculous (apples and oranges). The rag mags will compare them and Explorer will kill the 4Runner. We all know Ford is the best and most reliable vehicle made!

Koz

 

[DaveS]

There has been a $hit load of Explorers sold and the name sells. As far as comparing it to a 4Runner is rediculous (apples and oranges). The rag mags will compare them and Explorer will kill the 4Runner. We all know Ford is the best and most reliable vehicle made!

Koz

I do think the Explorer no longer knows what it is - it's not a BOF SUV and its a bit big and cumbersome for a CUV and then again, it really doesn't make sense as a minivan either. It's pretty appropriate that the one pictured is white, because I suspect it will become Ford's white elephant in fact. GM and Chrysler realised they had produced models that crossed over each other and went through a huge exercise to try to rationalise things - I suspect Ford may be setting themselves up for a similar problem if they are not careful.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

We'll see but up to this point the Explorer is the highest selling "whatever you may call it" since it's introduction 20 years ago. Yes,almost everything we called an SUV at one time doesn't include off roading as part of that scheme anymore but most are aimed at what 99% of real world buyers will be using it for and Ford has yet to show a failure with the Explorer.

Remember just because the small amount if us that actually use our 4runners for what they are capable of there's the other 95% that don't so let's not make it like the 4Runner is truly used as the SUV it's sold as. On the street the Explorer does everything a 4Runner can do.

I simply don't understand these threads since they have no impact on what we buy or do I really care about what others buy. These threads just seem like an opportunity to bash the competition and make 4Runner buyers feel better about their purchase.

Still comparing an apple to an orange.

 

[DocMT]

I do not like LEDs on 4th gen 4Rs because they are too bright when you are behind one.

That's exactly why I love them...I like lighting up the faces of the poor fools behind me.

 

[DocMT]

Since the majority of Explorer owners will never take their CUV offroad, I'd say that it is a Ford success. It has all the capability 99% of its owners will ever need.

I agree. And not just for Explorers. The vast majority of 4Runner owners will never take their vehicle offroad either. Lets be honest here..

 

[JB.]

Still comparing an apple to an orange.

To be precise, comparing an apple to a big, brightly colored orange that insists on calling itself an apple.

 

[Will733]

That's exactly why I love them...I like lighting up the faces of the poor fools behind me.

You can also give them your @5s pennies too... If you REALLY need to feel better than someone else... :hatsoff:
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?title=ass-pennies&videoId=60669

 

[M1911]

Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see that pre-2011 Explorer owners could possible like 2011 Explorer.

Why? The previous generation Explorer had very poor ground clearance and an IRS. While it had low range, it wasn't exactly very capable offroad, nor were the majority of them purchased for that reason. It did have a reasonable tow rating when equipped with a V8, but like any midsized SUV (4Runner included), the relatively short wheelbase is not ideal for towing heavy loads.

The new Explorer has more room than the previous generation, is far quieter inside, has a far superior interior, and gets 20% better mileage. For the average soccer mom who drives a previous generation Explorer, the new Explorer is fabulous in comparison.

If you go over to the Explorer forum, you'll find some folks that, like me, wish the new Explorer had more offroad capability. But you'll also see many folks who just love the new Explorer.

Especially because Ford already has Flex with available AWD so people who like car like handling and minivan size bought Flex already.

The Flex isn't selling all that well, and it has no offroad capability. It is likely to be canceled before too long.

The new Explorer has very modest offroad capability, but more than a Flex, and its styling will appeal to a different class of buyers.

Each vehicle is basically a set of compromises. The compromises that work for you may not work for someone else. Yes, the 4Runner is far superior to the new Explorer offroad. For you, that's important. For most Explorer buyers, that's not. I'm sure there are some 4-door Wrangler buyers who can't imagine why people buy a 4Runner, as they consider it to be not capable enough offroad.

 

[Koz]

Since getting a record breaking amount of snow this winter, I've come to the conclusion that the offroad ability in a real truck, like the 4Runner, makes them great for extreme weather. Lets see some comparisons in two feet of snow.

Koz

 

[Sputnik]

The exploror cannot be compared to a 4runner. Ford has a long way to go to compare its vehicles to toyota. I think ford makes good pickup trucks, but that's it. this crossover looks girly IMO. Nice 4runner!

 

[4RBob]

Since getting a record breaking amount of snow this winter, I've come to the conclusion that the offroad ability in a real truck, like the 4Runner, makes them great for extreme weather. Lets see some comparisons in two feet of snow.

Koz

I agree with that. I don't off-road in my 4Runners (did plenty of that in my Jeeps), but I like to have the ability to get out there in a blizzard if I HAVE to get somewhere. Also, like the ability to park in unplowed lots (like when I go snowshoeing) or make my own parking space (at work, store, etc).

CUV's are limiting when it comes to these "requirements" due to low ground clearance and really low air dams.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

To be precise, comparing an apple to a big, brightly colored orange that insists on calling itself an apple.

There's nothing that says that it can't be called an SUV and to buyers it really doesn't matter. What defines an SUV anyway? It's a pretty openended answer since the term CUV is pretty new and Ford Explorers left their off road image behind in the late '90s and nobody has had their panties in a wad calling it an SUV all this time and I don't recall Ford making any claims it was competing with Jeeps (Wrangler or Cherokees) and 4Runners.

This thread is so similar to when Honda put out a Ridgeline.

 

[M1911]

Since getting a record breaking amount of snow this winter, I've come to the conclusion that the offroad ability in a real truck, like the 4Runner, makes them great for extreme weather. Lets see some comparisons in two feet of snow.

I live in Boston, where we've had over 70" of snow this winter. I use real snow tires in the winter as well. But the only time I've had to go through more than 8" of snow is when I decided to go shooting at the gun club after 18" of snow, knowing we never plow the outdoor range.

In other words, for the average person in a bad winter, the extra capability just isn't needed. The new Explorer will let Jill Soccermom pick up little Megan on time when school is out, even with a few inches of snow on the roads. I like having that extra capability, but I pay for it -- I'm getting about 14.5 mpg in my '03 V8 right now.

 

[JB.]

What defines an SUV anyway?

Well, it's either something or nothing. How about 4WD with station wagon-like body on a truck frame? Sure the definition has slid over time; some SUVs were 2WD but the truck frame still implied the ability to take abuse off-road. The definition slid but it did so while keeping some connection to the term. When an "SUV" comes along that seems close to breaking all connection to the original, it shouldn't be surprising that it would draw some commentary.

I haven't read any Ridgeline discussions but it has a truck bed so at least it keeps that connection. With body clearance gone, what's the connection in the Explorer that makes it more of an SUV than an AWD station wagon?