rebelbowtie
New member
Well I don't think you will regret your decision. Although if you're like me you will rip out the cargo shelf after while.
4runner vs Explorer
- Thread starter beach146
- Start date
ledger35
New member
Explorer vs 4Runner
Funny that you bring this up. I have owned two Explorer XLT SUV's and recently traded one for a Limited 4WD. I have also driven Toyotas for years and always wanted a 4Runner. I did notice the fuel consumption was greater in the Toyota than the Explorer and immediately became concerned. I believe the fuel tank is smaller in the toy and that probably answers that concern. I also tow my waverunner with both and haven't found any issues either way. If you've never owned a Toyota they are ultimately the best vehicle I've ever owned and the reliability is un-paralelled. I've also always done all my maintenance on all my vehicles because I trust no one. I really can't say anything negative about the Ford, I never had any issues with the truck. This may have not answered your concerns but I would be glad to answer anything specific that you may ask.
Funny that you bring this up. I have owned two Explorer XLT SUV's and recently traded one for a Limited 4WD. I have also driven Toyotas for years and always wanted a 4Runner. I did notice the fuel consumption was greater in the Toyota than the Explorer and immediately became concerned. I believe the fuel tank is smaller in the toy and that probably answers that concern. I also tow my waverunner with both and haven't found any issues either way. If you've never owned a Toyota they are ultimately the best vehicle I've ever owned and the reliability is un-paralelled. I've also always done all my maintenance on all my vehicles because I trust no one. I really can't say anything negative about the Ford, I never had any issues with the truck. This may have not answered your concerns but I would be glad to answer anything specific that you may ask.
JDSupreme
New member
This is really true for most Fords in general from what i've seen/heard
Everything started to go around 90-95k on my '96 exploder and i sold it quick before it got real bad
shadow247
New member
I work for a Ford Dealer, and we hardly ever see any Explorers with over 100k miles on it. The ones that we do, are total piles of crap. I can't even get parts for any Explorer over about 10 years old.
BlackWorksInc
New member
Didn't the Explorers have a serious safety issue with them spontaneously catching fire in people's driveway's/garages even though the keys weren't even in the ignition?
My explorer still ran and looked nice at 120k. The only annoyances were tailgate rattle and rear diff whine from 50-70 mph.
My 4runner seems to be getting a lot worse mpg. 200 miles of highway at 70mph on a 60F sunny day using non ethanol fuel should not give me 18.3 mpg. That's a solid 5mpg lower than my explorer and it weighed 500lbs more. I'm going to try cleaning the MAF and throttle body tomorrow. Next steps after that are seaform then changing all fluids to synthetic. I'm not expecting 23mpg, but I don't think it should be below 20.
Any other ideas what could be causing lower mpg?
My 4runner seems to be getting a lot worse mpg. 200 miles of highway at 70mph on a 60F sunny day using non ethanol fuel should not give me 18.3 mpg. That's a solid 5mpg lower than my explorer and it weighed 500lbs more. I'm going to try cleaning the MAF and throttle body tomorrow. Next steps after that are seaform then changing all fluids to synthetic. I'm not expecting 23mpg, but I don't think it should be below 20.
Any other ideas what could be causing lower mpg?
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NJshadow93
New member
To get maximum MPGs on these trucks, it is best to always keep your RPM below 2000. Once it hits 2000 or goes above, your MPG drops. On a side note, I'm sure you noticed it's more powerful than your Explorer's V8.
I was accelerating very slow and kept it on cruise the entire time. I haven't noticed a huge difference in engine power, but the transmission shifts a lot smoother.
Robs08Runner
New member
Different gear ratio?
3.73 and 3.727 for the real axle ratio.
The 4runner has a higher 4th and 5th gear in the transmission, so that should be helping it. Are people unable to get 20mpg on the highway in the 4runner? I though there was something wrong with mine.
Robs08Runner
New member
I just did a 200 mile quick trip and got 21mpg with three adults inside in my 4.0. Funny, the same trip in the ford got 19.9.
Saw in another thread that calipers that are sticking can hurt mileage. My want to take a peek at your front brakes
Saw in another thread that calipers that are sticking can hurt mileage. My want to take a peek at your front brakes
I haven't felt any unusual heat from any of my hubs. I thought it might be calipers too.
I have gained 2mpg from cleaning the throttle body and maf. The throttle body was horrible. I'm guessing I'll probably gain another 1-2mpg after I seafoam, change the plugs, and change all fluids to synthetic. It might be a week or two before I have time to do that, but I'll definitely update this thread with my final mpg.
rebelbowtie
New member
I can get 18mpg on the highway with my 04 v8 no problem.
ChaosStarter
New member
Thats from people lighting them on fire because they don't want to deal with them anymore. :tongue1: :flame:
hoover
New member
Thats One of the main reasons why we bought the 4runner! IT DIDNT HAVE A BUNCH OF CHEAP $HIT THAT WAS GOING TO BREAK A FEW THOUSAND MILES DOWN THE ROAD!!!(Luxury electronic CRAP!) Its cheaper for a car manufacture to build cheap cars and cover it with bells and whistles!! :eyebrows:
