2011 4runner v 2011 Explorer off road

[diver110]

Frankly, the Explorer was not even on my radar screen. I thought of it as a soccer mom vehicle. Then I learned that, at least in the past, it was capable off road. Trying to be objective, how does it compare to the 4runner trail edition? And if the 2011 does not do well, how about prior years? I am not a rock climber, but want to be able to do more than forest roads. Thanks.

 

[section525]

I'm sure the 4Runner would be a better candidate for off road duty, Walter. It probably still has a true transfer case and greater ground-clearance than the new Explorer.

 

[sport97]

A new 4 runner will spank a new explorer offroad. The new explorer is a FWD based 4x4 on a uni body. It also lacks ground clearance. I assume you are looking at new vehicles, so I won't mention the 1st and 2nd gens, which were the best off road, but are 11 years old, or older.

2006-2010 has all wheel independent suspension, but does have a full frame. They were a RWD based 4x4, and had a v8 option.

Not that the 2011 explorer can't handle some dirt, it just relative to the 4 runner it can't take it on. But i'd imagine a 2011 explorer to be better on gas, and nicer on the road.

 

[Brian1]

2011 vs 2011 the 4Runner wins hands down. I test drove a 2010 4 Runner a while back on an off road course and it worked very well. I dont think there are many chages for the '11 model year from the '10. I have not driven a '11 Explorer but being on a car chassis it just wont do as good as the 4 Runner as others have mentioned - ground clearance, etc.

Plus the 4Runner has a big offroad aftermarket vs the Explorer which I would think is very limited if there is any at all. Bumpers, shocks, lifts, etc are all readily available for the 4Runner.

 

[JDraper]

From and '11 owner, the Explorer will do well on mild offroad trails, but that's about it at this point. Stock ground clearance is actually pretty good on the Explorer (7.6") but the 4Runner is listed at 9" of clearance. As mentioned, the Explorer doesn't have a transfer case, so no low range.

If you want a vehicle for offroading, the 4Runner will do better.

 

[diver110]

Thanks. I'll scratch the Explorer from the list.

 

[turboexplorer]

Not that the 2011 explorer can't handle some dirt, it just relative to the 4 runner it can't take it on. But i'd imagine a 2011 explorer to be better on gas, and nicer on the road.

The new Explorer does VERY well in all conditions BUT flexed out on rocks. Like everyone said it has no low range and sits low for playing on rocks. It does amazing in sand and snow though!!! Great power smooth quiet ride super nice, but again that's its market and what its designed for!