2023 Ford Explorer Timberline: This Or A Toyota 4Runner?

Today I drive and review a 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline!
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[@nicholaslee5310]

I drive both. An explorer for work and a personal 4Runner. The explorer definitely has more zip, but it’s junk otherwise. Things are falling off of it with 30k miles. And the transmission has always been junk. Meanwhile my 4Runner is like the day I bought it.

[@Cool-lc2fi]

Which years do you have for both? Trying to make a hard decision...was curious if it was anything to older vs newer quality.

[@nicholaslee5310]

@@Cool-lc2fi the explorer is a ‘20 XLT. The 4Runner is a ‘21 TRD Off Road

[@nicholaslee5310]

@@Cool-lc2fi as far as quality, I don’t believe much has changed. The 4Runner is just higher quality than any ford product I’ve ever driven. Based on other ford products I’ve had the opportunity to drive in recent years, I don’t think they’ve made any great strides in since the Explorer I drive was manufactured.

[@MrMegatron85]

I really dig this trim. Would be really cool if they put that ST v6 in it.

[@mike36dc]

I have a '22. We love it. I couldn't stand the drive train in the 4Runner. The Explorer is both fast and comfortable. No problem on 40 miles of sand at Padre Island National Seashore. Very roomy. One thing that is very good: it has a Torsen limited slip rear differential, and that keeps power in the back wheels if one loses grip. This thing works really, really well. And the Bridgestone Dueller's are great both on and off road.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

The green and orange theme goes well with the Ford Explorer Timberline.

[@haroldlee6923]

Interesting That explorer timberline didn’t receive the 3.0 making 400hp and 415 lb that ST got where in the expedition timberland VS expedition ST both got the same up trim 3.5 440hp 510 lb .. excellent video as usual, thanks for the great work!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My everyday Ford SUV!! Amazing job Ben.

[@NJSlabaugh]

Am I the only one who just can’t get on board with a 3 row SUV powered by a turbo 4? I don’t know jack about engines, but that just seems like a lot of vehicle for a small engine.

[@lesley643]

Agreed. 300 hp from a 2.3 turbocharged. I wonder how long is the engine going to last hauling that clunker around.

[@CarlosFontes]

I lost my Ford Focus in a car crash and I'm currently driving a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. I enjoy it but I really want a Ford again so this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for after getting used to the 4Runner.

[@anthonyrosado9753]

4Runner if you buying to keep. I would never buy an explorer to keep 😂.

[@lp8436]

True. Ford products are garbage now. The 4Runner is still manufactured at the Tahara plant in Japan, where they take pride in assembling a vehicle.

[@jimmyqq]

Glad to see the 23 model finally on the market, but a bit sad that it looks almost the same as the 22 model with a higher price:(

[@B86432]

4 runner anyday of the week even a base sr5 will be better

[@joshgalka9414]

Nah, What are you smokin? Ford is best... Get a ford!

[@johnappleseed9290]

Dude, what are YOU smoking 🤣 sure the ford explorer is eye candy, I’ll give it that, but the 4Runner is superior in reliability, look up the statistics on 4Runners and how long they last compare to an explorer lol…

[@anoop4243]

​​​@@johnappleseed9290 Other than old school reliability, there is pretty much nothing that the 4R has. It will be better off road than the Explorer, but on normal roads, the Explorer will destroy the 4R in performance and comfort. (Also if you want to go off road, Jeep & Bronco is better than 4R). Also the Explorer is loaded with features, GDI, twin scroll turbo, makes more power, is way more fuel efficient, exciting to drive, and not dated like the 4R which has been pretty much the same from the early 2000's.

[@johnappleseed9290]

@@anoop4243 so, in your defense the explorer is faster and has better electronics capabilities… cool, but let’s get real dude. In todays world a lot of people would MUCH rather have a reliable vehicle, not some lemon prone car that’ll leave you stranded before it hits 150k miles OR major repairs. Turbos I’m any vehicle is a huge red flag, unless you got the coin to constantly fix a engine after abusing it by maximizing its power output and stressing the hell out of the block, sure a turbo is fun and thrilling to drive. But again, let’s get real.

[@anoop4243]

@@johnappleseed9290 I am real. I maintain my cars religiously & drive them like it has been stolen. Owned many Fords. Never been stranded by any cars I've owned till now (it can happen with any car, including 4RS, even if it's extremely reliable. All it takes is a small accident/mechanical failure), I have CAA Premier for that unfortunate day, if it ever happens. If I have to replace the turbos after 150k miles ( EcoBoosts are running on original Turbos with twice that mileage, but let's leave that out just for a more even comparison), I'll just do it. I'd have saved more money than a turbo, in fuel efficiency at the pump with the Explorer compared to the 4R over that time, so I guess I'll just use it to cover the expense. Plus I get to enjoy a much more exciting drive, performance, features & comfort over the same time period.

[@3wheelmannc860]

Very nice offering / edition. I am a huge fan of that green paint and interior set up. I am not a fan of that motor...sure it has sufficient, but imo the gas mileage should be better...Ford should really be raising the bar for hybrid options. EV may be the wave of the future, but hybrids greatly assist in efficiency and a "power boost."

[@freedomisntfree_44]

I wish they’d make the explorer more like the Everest overseas but still a good road-tripper

[@jonathanmundy5778]

My 1996 Explorer was green on green. The V8 was awesome. Cool to see that willow green interior make a comeback!

[@bobwitt305]

Those were good explorers.

[@1arry11egend]

I don’t think a four cylinder in a full sized vehicle is a recipe for longevity.

[@joshgalka9414]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@EliB207]

📠

[@littlestinker9716]

Meh. Better comparison than 4Runner is Subaru Outback Wilderness. Ford needs an Eddie Bauer edition again.

[@arthurwright255]

I seriously love this Explorer. I would rank it above the ST personally.

[@freedomisntfree_44]

The timber line packages are sharp for sure!

[@haroldlee6923]

@@freedomisntfree_44st has the upgrade engine 400 hp 415 lb which is weird since big boy expeditions timberline gets that big 440 hp and 510lb just like an expedition St

[@michaelstout7652]

I love this package and I Love the color! I love that Green…😎

[@johnwebb2232]

4runner will always be on top, in value, capabilities, dependability, resale value just to mention a few, plus it will walk all over that ford. Yes it's not bad looking, but I would never buy one, had a ford truck for six months, couldn't wait to see the back of it. Never again. Love my 2016 4runner trail.

[@anoop4243]

Explorer vs 4R is apples & oranges. Explorer vs Highlander is the correct comparison. Anyway, 4R: More reliability (basic old school design) and Off road capability Explorer: Much better on road performance(unibody), Fuel efficiency, Comfort, Looks(subjective, but it has a newer, sharper design), Advanced Tech features. Reliability is often hyped. Most people change cars every 10-12 years/300,000 miles, which both these SUVs are perfectly good for. If you keep the car any longer than that, you will have cheaper maintenance with 4R due to simplicity, however you will pay much more for fuel than the Explorer right from the start.

[@dpswan]

I considered both of these options, as you know. I love the look of the Ford but I went with the 4Runner. Reliability and longevity are the reasons. The Toyota will be on the road a lot longer than the Ford.

[@tylermacconnell217]

And you know that how exactly? Been watching a bit too much Scotty? Toyota reliability and longevity is a myth too many people believe. I’ve noticed there are just as many full service bays at the Toyota dealerships as the Ford dealerships. Wonder why?

[@cyrusIIIII]

@@tylermacconnell217well said. I have 314k on my explorer and looking for the new ones. Scotty is a fanatic Toyota lol

[@luv2bottom]

Ummm you can’t even compare the 2 lol Explorer isn’t meant for off road & this package is merely appearance.

[@Deerslayer369]

It's actually not an appearance package. Do your research before commenting.

[@luv2bottom]

@@Deerslayer369 it is 100% appearance package, so you do your research & stfu

[@zahf6484]

The timbaland looks great

[@bohan9957]

I'd love to drive this as a rental.

[@IAMRONIN]

Love the package, if I was in the market for that size suv I'd definitely consider it. The dad jokes...ugh...lol!

[@scottbrawley407]

2023 Ford Explorer Timberline 4WD!

[@AlexanderNekrasov-xu9oe]

A "timberline" without low range, not very high ground clearance, and a locking diff is optional.

[@TheNerdProblems]

Honestly I like everything about the new explorers minus the tail lights. Whatever they did they need to go back to the drawing board.

[@joshgalka9414]

Engine power sounds great, too!

[@1976axerhand]

So it's just a higher tuned ranger engine. Ranger has 270 hp out of the 2.3

[@vinnie8495]

Ill take the Timberline. Love the Ford

[@marvinritchie9444]

My Daughter has the Timberline ordered

[@12masterr]

$52 k for a 4 cylinder fleet vehicle? Hard pass!

[@haroldlee6923]

Lt or Ls

[@Nixonskitchen]

The 4Runner lasts 250k+ miles. The Explorer no where close

[@victorvek5227]

For $53k, it should have had at least another 50 horses and a v6, especially with the ST offering 400hp at about $5k more.

[@johnnydixs4985]

Hey Ben what's your opinion on the Explorer not being reliable and looses its value?

[@nathanstephens6267]

Dude has good content. But please SLOOOWW DOWN your speech.

[@RatBoi-tk2zb]

I thought he was speaking another language.

[@dolguldur4706]

I really like this new wheels design from ford..

[@obedjimenez4229]

This explorers compete with the highlanders not the 4Runner. Highlanders are going 4 turbo as well.

[@MegaBlessing2011]

That's correct. I've had both.

[@Drpepperkev4]

Ford Explorer any day more of a suv then a crossover

[@android-ud2nf]

Don’t “apologize” for the Timbalin jokes… instead say it’s just “The Way I Are”! 😏

[@Eoslife1]

Can we get a review of the Nissan pro-4x? 😊

[@BenHardyCars]

Already have

[@tylerbancroft4820]

This thing will be in a junk yard years before a 4RUNNER and with the price of vehicles these days no reasonable responsible person would get the significantly less reliable vehicle

[@cyrusIIIII]

Who said so? Scotty? Lol I have 314k on my explorer and looking for another one.

[@tylerbancroft4820]

@cyrusIIIII Right, because your one example is emblematic of all Explorers. I believe the data from third-party researchers is pretty clear. Apples to apples a 4runner will last SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER than any other vehicle in its class. But sure, keep holding out your one anomaly as the rule and not the exception

[@cyrusIIIII]

@@tylerbancroft4820 "third-party researchers">>>>> Scottty 4Runner is a bullet proof car but a TERRIBLE car for long distance travel and highway. Research the Toyota frames rotten in Tacomas and you will see why Toyota had to change them for FREE. New 4Runners are junk plastic. They are not like the older ones. I never enjoyed driving 4Runner unless offroad.

[@tylerbancroft4820]

@cyrusIIIII OH, it's about ride quality now? Do you really want to compare recalls and build issues? Do you seriously think the Ford EXPLODER has had fewer issues than the 4runner? My comment was about the longevity of the 4runner, not the Tacoma or ride quality on the highway or whatever other strawman argument you want to use. I get it. You're a fan boy. Frankly, the only thing I care about is reliability, and for the money, nothing even comes close to the old 4runner or today's 4runner, for that matter. If it was something else, that's what I'd be buying. They may be made out of plastic, but that plastic is more reliable than Fords plastic. So please save the bull shit for someone who's stupid enough to buy it. Edmunds, C&D, JD, Motor Trend, and literally every other major publication have written thousands of articles about just how unbelievably reliable 4runners/Toyotas are compared to every other vehicle in its class. It's not even close.

[@dalefrolander3583]

Last I saw that 2.3 liter has direct injection only. The intake valves on direct injection only engines can get carboned up and have to have the heads removed and the valves walnut shell blasted every 20k miles or so. Port injection sprays fuel on the back of the intake valves and the detergents in the fuel keep the valves clean. Notice how Ford has also been quietly adding port injection to their direct injection engines. Then there's that annoying ding ding ding on the Ford products. I would (did) buy a 4runner off road premium with kdss.

[@markmenhinick7161]

Hard on fuel 4 runner and out dated and seats uncomfortable to

[@jkulysses]

​@markmenhinick7161 this timberline doesn't do much better on fuel maybe 2 mpg but the 4runner 4 liter engine is arguably one of the most reliable engines still in production which is very appealing. It is super outdated though especially the electronics. Hard to believe the trd offroad premium doesn't have auto start like wtf toyota. The 4runner is better for real offloading and this explorer would be better on the highway.

[@amandakb69]

Or pathfinder Rock Creek...

[@1976axerhand]

Maybe this yr model won't be on the bottom of the list of vehicles not to buy? Xd

[@tboe-cr8pz]

Why in the hell would they put a dinky 4 cylinder in this big of a vehicle?? No thanks!!

[@Eoslife1]

Jk found it!! 😅

[@mikeludwick7886]

Could you speak faster so we can really not understand a word you say, thanks.

[@jjoey03]

why this guy complaining, this a very nice inside and out suv

[@1976axerhand]

If you polish a turd it's still a turd.

[@RacerJuan42]

uh…4runner…not even in the same league. One will be crushed within a decade, the other will still have decades of life remaining.

[@Kenneth_R]

Again, typical for a Ford product, about $10k overpriced.

[@igorkoske8376]

Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO all day long especially over horrible Ford Explorer that will break before it will even hit 60k miles with a major mechanical and electrical failure! I vote for 4Runner yes Ben the same 4Runner you stupidly traded to get your wife into the worse choice you could have possibly put her on Land Rover Defender 130 😂 😂 😂

[@jennsukhu]

You talk to fast slow down

[@1revlimit]

Ford has built junk for a solid 30 years now. Not remotely in the same league as Toyota.

[@RatBoi-tk2zb]

Toyota is crap too. Brand new corolla was the worst car I have owned. Stalled, clouds of blue smoke, engine vibration, dealer useless. Junk. Stop with the blanket statements - all toyotas are good and all fords are garbage. There are no more vehicles designed to last 300000km any more.