4Runner vs Explorer

jreask

jreask

Member
We now own a 2012Explorer 4WD. We are contemplating a 2012 SR5 4Runner 4WD. Both vehicles have their pros and cons. The EX rides very smoothly. It is also comfortable. It has some glitches with the software on MFT. The third row access is acceptable. The 4Runner is definitely more capable off road and in rougher terrains. It is also comfortable. The third row access is not very good. The fuel economies are very close to each other. The other thing I can only guess at is the future resale value. The 4Runner historically has much better resale value than the once over produced Explorer. I would like to hear some opinions from members. Thanks in advance.

Joe
 
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"I would like to hear some opinions from members."

Why? Not trying to be rude, but since you already have stated what most of us on this forum will say.....what are you expecting? Disagreement?
 
What do you call 500 attorneys at the bottom of the ocean?

A good start.

What were you expecting? Perhaps some insight from owners of either vehicle.
 
JT3HN86R said:
What do you call 500 attorneys at the bottom of the ocean?

A good start.

What were you expecting? Perhaps some insight from owners of either vehicle.
Click to expand...
Old joke but a good one.

Yes, looking for other members experience with each vehicle.
 
I just traded my '93 Explorer that I bought brand new for a 2012 T4R Trail Edition. While checking out both, I was very disappointed in what the Explorer had become. The farthest I would take a new Explorer off roading is a level 2 trail (one step below a gravel road). It is best described as an over sized soccer-mom station wagon with all wheel drive. The only thing I don't care for but can live with on the T4R is the view out the back could be better and the seats lack thigh support.
 
GrantK said:
I just traded my '93 Explorer that I bought brand new for a 2012 T4R Trail Edition. While checking out both, I was very disappointed in what the Explorer had become. The farthest I would take a new Explorer off roading is a level 2 trail (one step below a gravel road). It is best described as an over sized soccer-mom station wagon with all wheel drive. The only thing I don't care for but can live with on the T4R is the view out the back could be better and the seats lack thigh support.
Click to expand...
That is helpful to me. The third row in the 4Runner leaves a lot to be desired. The access is pretty bad. IT's a good thing most people don't need it very often. We all know its off road capabilities are much better than the new Explorers.
 
jreask said:
That is helpful to me. The third row in the 4Runner leaves a lot to be desired. The access is pretty bad. IT's a good thing most people don't need it very often. We all know its off road capabilities are much better than the new Explorers.
Click to expand...

Also test drive a jeep grand cherokee.

My wife drives one.. the JGC Overland 5.7, I drive the 4r. I love my 2011 4r and will keep it for the next 10 years... but let's say I totaled it and had to start over, I would probably get an overland JGC instead. Love it Love it..
 
You get tradeoffs with vehicles you want to do multiple thing with. The cargo area of a 4Runner is nice with easy access through the liftgate. I am sure 3rd row seating is difficult to access through the rear doors. It's not you who is climbing back there. Do you want to drive an offroad capable vehicle or a minivan? Fords make me sad.
:nono:
 
I have a serious question for the OP:

"What are the odds that someone on the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner have owned a new model Ford Explorer? Very small as they are designed for two completely different demographics. Why would you even be contemplating a trade to the 4Runner? Why not a GMC or Dodge that is a similar soft roader? Or a Toyota Highlander or the new Nissan Pathfinder? They are more the style of the Explorer.

There are compromises in every vehicle. The 4Runner did not compromise in the drivetrain or body on frame but it did on all the gadgets that Jeep and Ford are so famous for. You know, the ones that are cool to begin with and break right after warranty?

Look at the Toyota Highlander. It has a bunch of 3rd row room.
 
jreask said:
We now own a 2012Explorer 4WD. We are contemplating a 2012 SR5 4Runner 4WD. Both vehicles have their pros and cons. The EX rides very smoothly. It is also comfortable. It has some glitches with the software on MFT. The third row access is acceptable. The 4Runner is definitely more capable off road and in rougher terrains. It is also comfortable. The third row access is not very good. The fuel economies are very close to each other. The other thing I can only guess at is the future resale value. The 4Runner historically has much better resale value than the once over produced Explorer. I would like to hear some opinions from members. Thanks in advance.

Joe
Click to expand...
The Explorer is a unibody CUV, the T4R is a body on frame SUV. If you want a fair comparison you should compare the Explorer to a Highlander. If you are looking for a BOF midsize SUV, there isn't anything better than a T4R for the same money. If you find one let me know and I'll trade in my T4R for one.
 
Just opinions here. Back in 97 my wife and I test drove an Explorer and almost bought. At the last minute we test drove a 4Runner and there was no comparison. Even though the Explorer was like 4-5 grand less.
Just bought a 2011 T4R SR5 and looked at the Explorer and again no comparison. The Explorer is smaller than the 4Runner now and and it's not as rugged as it used to be. And as you mentioned yourself resale value is not good at all with the Explorer. The Explorer has become a Crossover vehicle IMO.
 
jreask said:
The 4Runner historically has much better resale value than the once over produced Explorer.
Joe
Click to expand...
Can't comment on the rest, but I don't think any vehicle was over-produced, they cut back on production when that happens. Generally, a vehicle has poor resale value because it is unreliable, ugly, doesn't have a legendary reputation, or is otherwise undesired.

I would say I see 5 3rd gen 4runners for every similar year Explorer on the road, more for the 4th gen 4runner. About even, actually, for the 1st gen of both, but they are pretty rare, and I notice pretty much all of them.

I would look at how many of each were produced for each model year, versus how many are still around, and draw my own conclusions.
 
2013-ford-explorer-1.jpg

To think I was disappointed in the latest Grand Cherokee... This? Really? I have seen a couple around, but I thought it was the newest Ford Escape. Unibody, front wheel drive, lifted wagon is what it is. Nothing wrong with that, except you can get a non-lifted wagon or minivan, that will do everything better than that, for probably less money.
 
I just bought a TE a few weeks ago that replaced an '04 LE. I loved the old LE, but wanted the new stuff. I looked at the Explorer. It was nice, but felt more like a station wagon. Reminded me of an old LTD wagon with wood on the sides. Comfortable, but for me, not as comfortable as the 4r. Personally, I don't care for the Explorer's look.

I also looked at the JGC a lot. Loved the package with the V8, etc. Good looking, good value. But I couldn't get comfortable in the seats compared to the 4r and I didn't really like the way it drove. Steering seemed too heavy to me and the V8 wasn't as responsive as I expected.

It was also great having the Toyota resale value when I traded in the '04 too. Maybe Jeep will be there in 8 years too, but it's unlikely. I wouldn't even want to venture a guess on the Explorer's resale.
 
AustinCyclist said:
Also test drive a jeep grand cherokee.

My wife drives one.. the JGC Overland 5.7, I drive the 4r. I love my 2011 4r and will keep it for the next 10 years... but let's say I totaled it and had to start over, I would probably get an overland JGC instead. Love it Love it..
Click to expand...

Oh man.......here we go again.
:ybrick:
 
Had a 2011 JGC 5.7L for 2 months. Loved the power of the HEMI and all the gadgets but always felt like I was driving an offroad capable car. Used the terrain select once and when returning to the "on-road" mode (Don't recall the actual term) it sounded as like shifting into 4Lo at too high a speed. The dealer I sold it to still has it and recently had to have the seats replaced as the backs were falling off. I also notced as I sold it that one of the back windows wasn't tinted from the factory. Lastly, the factory tires sucked. How I missed that when I bought it I have no idea.

That said I've had my 4R for about 6 weeks now and other than not having 400HP I love it. No concerns on quality, reliability or capability.
 
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