I’m in the market for a family SUV. We live in Alberta, Canada, so AWD or 4x4 is a must for the snow. I’m a fan of Toyota’s reliability and noticed a used 2023 4Runner Limited with 65kms priced at $61K CAD. The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is new and priced at $64K CAD. I’m not sure about Ford’s reliability. I could use some help deciding between these two options!
65kms on a 4Runner is almost nothing, especially since it’s from before the redesign, so you’re getting a solid engine and platform. That’s why it’s priced this way. I’d only worry if the 4Runner had been in a major accident.
The 4Runner will hold its value much better than the Explorer. When you sell it later, the Toyota will get you good offers, while the Ford’s value will drop fast.
I drive a 4Runner, but my brother’s had his Explorer for 6 years. The only issue he had was wiring for the back hatch. He went for the V6 and got a discount of $6-8K below sticker. If you lean towards the Explorer, try to haggle—you might get a better deal on one that’s sitting at the dealer. But if you go with the 4Runner, it’s still a solid pick at low mileage.
4Runners are tanks and can easily last over 400K miles with the right maintenance. In my experience, Ford hasn’t been as reliable. I’ve never regretted buying a Toyota.
As far as I’m concerned, Ford stopped making reliable vehicles after the 2000s (aside from their trucks). We have a Ford Escape in the family, and it’s been nothing but problems. Don’t get a Ford SUV. But the 4Runner is one of the most reliable cars you can get—super well built and easy to work on.
Why not get a new, lower trim 4Runner instead?
allson said:
Why not get a new, lower trim 4Runner instead?
I’ve been considering that too. The dealership I went to didn’t have any in stock, but I’m looking around.
allson said:
Why not get a new, lower trim 4Runner instead?
The 4Runner is changing models, and finding a new one right now is getting tougher. We probably won’t see the 2025 model until 2025. Production got delayed, so they’re pushing it to late fall.
Even people in the Ford forum will agree that the 4Runner is way better.
You might be able to get the price down a bit on the Ford.
There was another 4Runner Limited being offered—a 2020 with 95kms for $52K.
Ford Bronco, no thanks. But that’s a lot of money for a truck with miles on it. Is that conversion correct—40K miles for $43K USD?
Check if the 4Runner’s frame isn’t rusted. Also, it’s worth getting it inspected before buying. I’ve heard that salt up north can be tough on vehicles. I live in Florida, so I don’t deal with it unless near the beach.
I did a lot of research before buying my Toyota. I had a 2003 Tundra with 235K miles that ran great. My new vehicle is a 2022 4Runner, and it’s been fantastic. I got a 4x4 SR5 for $43K and so far, no issues. It’s not as flexible as having a truck, but it’s been great. Another option was a long bed Tacoma with a shell.
We had a 1998 4Runner with over 200K miles on it. It was the best car we ever owned!
The 4Runner is made in Japan, so you know it has high quality control. It will hold its value better because you can’t buy the V6 version anymore.
4Runner all the way. Ford is just short for ‘Found On Road Dead.’
Vince said:
4Runner all the way. Ford is just short for ‘Found On Road Dead.’
Or ‘Fix or Repair Daily.’
The only reason to go for the Ford, in my opinion, is the tech. The 4Runner’s tech is a bit behind, but you won’t find another vehicle with the same off-road capability and build quality. I sold a 4Runner to a marine heading to Alaska, and all his friends bought different cars. He’s the one always helping them out. He loves his 4Runner.