2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to present a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front design and angular body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint and utility-style roof racks. The interior focused on practicality, offering easy-clean surfaces and robust storage options. Higher trims provided a more upscale feel with contrast-color interiors.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer showcased a sleeker design with a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more rugged look. The rear featured new LED taillights and a trim strip with the SUV's name. Inside, the Explorer's updates significantly improved its ambiance, with competitive materials and design. Ford reduced the trim levels to four, ranging from the base Active to the performance-tuned ST, with prices starting at $39,755.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Off-Road model included AWD, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, it offered the same ground clearance as other RAV4 models and struggled with approach angles. The eight-speed automatic transmission was praised for its reliability, though the engine was noisy and unrefined. The TRD Off-Road model achieved 28 mpg combined, with a test average of 26.6 mpg.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with optional 4WD. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, while the V6 offered a more pleasant sound. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, delivering a firm yet comfortable ride.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized utility with practical storage solutions and oversized controls. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated seats. The cabin comfortably accommodated four adults, with a spacious cargo area of 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional bench seat for seven. The ST-Line offered heated front seats and a Premium Package with additional comforts. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but the third row was less so for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect for ten years. The system was sophisticated but had usability issues, such as a lack of a multi-panel Home screen and voice assistant limitations.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and Google Built-in. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with effective Google Maps integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring a 10-speaker setup.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, though the base LE lacked blind-spot monitoring. The system performed adequately but lost its Top Safety Pick award due to lower crash test ratings.

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