2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic heritage with a boxy design and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to past models, such as the heritage grille and round headlights. The vehicle incorporated modern touches like LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights, enhancing its classic yet contemporary appeal. The interior offered a blend of comfort and functionality, with options ranging from cloth to leather seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The cabin design emphasized comfort, allowing drivers to focus on the road without distractions.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer presented a sleeker, more modern appearance with a restyled front end and a tapered design. The SUV's new LED taillights and various wheel designs contributed to its ruggedly handsome look. Inside, the Explorer's updates significantly improved its ambiance, offering competitive materials and design. The reduction in trim levels streamlined choices, with options like the sporty ST-Line and luxurious Platinum. The Explorer's interior enhancements, such as heated seats and ambient lighting, provided a comfortable and stylish environment for passengers.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD. The vehicle excelled off-road, equipped with Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system and CRAWL control function, offering improved articulation and silent operation. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like locking differentials and a disconnectable stabilizer bar.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with optional 4WD. The Explorer provided various driving modes, enhancing its adaptability to different terrains. The ST-Line trim, with its larger wheels and performance brakes, delivered a delightful driving experience. The Explorer's handling was firm yet comfortable, and the V6 engine offered fast acceleration and a pleasant sound.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road controls, and the cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space. The vehicle included practical features like a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable seats with black artificial leather and cloth inserts. The second-row captain’s chairs were equally comfortable, and the third row, though less accommodating for adults, was suitable for children. The Explorer offered ample storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 85.8 cubic feet, and included useful features like a wireless smartphone charger.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came with a Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, utilizing a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for upgraded sound systems. The Premium Package added features like a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and wireless smartphone integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the Platinum and ST trims featuring 14 speakers. The system was user-friendly, with effective Google Maps integration and app downloads.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. Although not rated by IIHS or NHTSA, Toyota's safety reputation provided confidence in its safety features.

The 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360+ with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims featured BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.