2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform, enhancing its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a variety of wheel designs added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements with upgraded materials, colors, and displays, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base trim Active, sporty ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and performance-tuned ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more traditional SUV design with a focus on off-road capability. The base model, named 1958, featured a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment, while the more modern Land Cruiser trim provided a sophisticated appearance with additional off-roading features. The interior of the Land Cruiser was utilitarian, with options for SofTex artificial leather or real leather in the Premium Package. Despite its high price, the Land Cruiser's interior lacked some comfort in the second row, and its rear window design was less practical compared to competitors. Cargo space was generous, but the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, catering to various driving conditions. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg, while the Platinum with the V6 achieved 22.9 mpg. The Explorer excelled in handling and ride comfort, especially with the ST-Line Street Package, which added performance brakes and larger wheels.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It featured a full-time four-wheel-drive system with electronic locking differentials and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed a disappointing 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its suspension tuning. The SUV provided a comfortable ride over rough terrain and city streets, but its acceleration and braking performance were modest.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered seating for six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package that added ambient lighting, massage seats, and more. The front seats were comfortable with breathable fabric inserts, while the second-row captain’s chairs provided similar comfort. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

In the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, upgrading from the 1958 model added SofTex artificial leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package included real leather and a sunroof. While the front seats were supportive, the second-row seats lacked comfort, and the running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor could be challenging for loading heavy items.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and voice recognition performing well, though some features like semi-autonomous parking assist were absent.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded from the 1958 model with two 12.3-inch displays and the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect feature provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant, which performed well in voice recognition tests. The infotainment system was well-equipped, though some features like the wireless charger should have been standard.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims featured BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. While BlueCruise performed well in testing, it occasionally struggled with lane adjustments near large trucks. The Explorer had not yet received full safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. While some ADAS features were helpful, others like Predictive Driving Assist were less desirable. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but only three stars for rollover resistance.