Why all the Explorer/4Runner comparisons?

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dekeman said:
I don't get it. With all the hype over the 2011 Ford Explorer reveal this week, everyone seems to be aligning the Explorer — now a unibody SUV — with the 4Runner. I'd say the two are not even close, but others might disagree.

Some pics of the new Explorer here.
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What hype?!?! I just saw a commercial on tv last night for it, never knew it was changing or being released. Wow, it was ugly! I laughed if you watch the commercial, the explorer is dragging the front through the snow/mud/sand, lol yeah no thanks!
 
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It seems to me that they are really competing with the Acadia/Traverse (AWD Station Wagons) than any body on frame truck based SUV. I have known about it for months - they where even pictures in the car magazines. Probably going to be a little smaller and cheaper than the GM wagons (Which are comparable to the Tahoe in volume). But seeing Ford's recent track record, it will probably be done well for what it is.
In the Toyota stable, it is probably more comparable to a Venza and Highlander (like Quentin said) than anything. Larger - but the same station wagon concept made off of their family sedan.

I agree - no comparison - whatsoever - to any 4Runner.

My 2 cents
Steve
 
O.T. I just reviewed the web page that dekeman attached and noticed the rearview back up parallel colored lines in the HU sceen were exactly like the new JGC I test drove today. "Weird"
 
I haven't heard of any comparisons to the 4Runner besides your post.

I think it looks pretty good. Nice lines similar to the Taurus. I like seeing Ford stepping up their game. It's about time something out of Detroit can compete. And they didn't have to take federal funds to do so!

That being said, I still love my 4Runner.
 
Many credit the Explorer for making SUVs popular and driving that market. It certainly wasn't the first SUV on the market and it's certainly NOT the first carbased SUV. But again, many seem to think the '11 Explorer will revolutionize the SUV market like it did 20 years ago.

Ford releasing decent products puts everyone else on notice and in the end, it's better for us consumers.
 
I made a vow to never buy a Ford again - I've had so many issues with them. Kinda wish I didn't do that because I'm really liking the look of their vehicles. The new Explorer looks great, and I really like the instrument cluster and the headlights.

To answer the question, no, you cannot campare the Explorer to the 4R. I agree with others that the Explorer competes with the Acadia/Traverse/Highlander. I would put money on the Explorer to outsell those other vehicles.
 
Good, I'm glad I'm not the only one. The new Explorer is based off the same platform as the Taurus and Ford Flex (such a horrible name) despite a previous body-on-frame platform that gave it some off-road cred in the past.

What bugs me most, I think, is that it is being marketed as a "true" SUV aimed at "traditional SUV buyers." I would hope traditional SUV buyers know the difference between a real off-roader such as the 4Runner, Jeep, FJ, Xterra, etc. and a crossover.
 
I really think Ford has done a great job with the Explorer (and the rest of their updated model lineup IMO), clearly not meant to directly compete with the 4runner.

Now I'd like to see Ford come up with a new Bronco that borrows cues from the 60's Broncos and is truly off-road capable...now that'd be the stuff!
 
i'd bet 99% of potential Ford Explorer customers don't know the difference—or care. it's always been a big station wagon with a pasted-on SUV look and feel. didn't it go IRS around ten years ago?

of course the fact of the matter is that there's many 4Runner owners who purchase for the same reasons/use case. difference being: the 4Runner still retains its genuine credibility, which encourages lively owner/enthusiast communities like this one to embrace it as a build platform.
 
sandcrawler said:
i'd bet 99% of potential Ford Explorer customers don't know the difference—or care. it's always been a big station wagon with a pasted-on SUV look and feel. didn't it go IRS around ten years ago?

of course the fact of the matter is that there's many 4Runner owners who purchase for the same reasons/use case. difference being: the 4Runner still retains its genuine credibility, which encourages lively owner/enthusiast communities like this one to embrace it as a build platform.
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The people that used their Explorer for towing will care. The rating for the V6 model is 5000lbs, but much like the 4Runner v. the Highlander, I'd be far more comfortable towing 5000lbs w/ the longitudinally mounted driveline and body on frame than a transverse mounted driveline w/ unibody. The idea of towing a significant amount w/ a FWD bias vehicle is less than ideal, IMO.
 
I like the interior a lot...but, that will never make up for the exterior. Wow, that is about the ugliest "SUV" I've ever seen! I guess it's a great grocery-getter though.
 
3x4runnerOwner said:
I like the interior a lot...but, that will never make up for the exterior. Wow, that is about the ugliest "SUV" I've ever seen! I guess it's a great grocery-getter though.
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You must have forgotten about this one...

<a href="http://s791.photobucket.com/albums/yy191/ttown311/?action=view&current=pontiac_aztek_2001_01_m.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy191/ttown311/pontiac_aztek_2001_01_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
The new explorer looks terrible. I remember when my dad got the original first model year and it had "push button" 4x4 and I thought it was awesome. Now it looks like a Ford Edge.

The only other competition I see is from Jeep (although it too is Unibody). I loved my Grand Cherokee, and I like the new one. I've always been a fan of Quadra-Drive and the ability to put 100% to any one wheel. Also, I like the V8 option. However, #1 I didn't want to wait, #2 I had a 4Runner after my GC and loved it even more, and #3 Toyota >> Bankrupt Chrysler.

Once I saw the knew 4Runner and knowing the new Jeeps were coming, I still wanted the 4Runner more. The body style of the new 4Runner is so freaking manly and awesome I love it!
 
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