Head-to-head
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia wins clearly, 92.2 to 82.6, on safety, performance, space & cargo. The Ford Explorer is ahead on tech & comfort and fuel & range.
F
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 …
vs
A2025 Toyota Sequoia
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid large SUV with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sequoia 2WD, is EPA-rated at …
More Ford Explorer head-to-heads More Toyota Sequoia head-to-heads Every Explorer vs Sequoia model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Clear winThe Toyota Sequoia wins clearly, 92.2 to 82.6, on safety, performance, space & cargo. The Ford Explorer is ahead on tech & comfort and fuel & range.
Safety 2025 Toyota Sequoia leads by 39.6
Performance 2025 Toyota Sequoia leads by 30
Tech & comfort 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 14.7
| Category · weight | 2025 Toyota Sequoiaoverall 92.2 | 2025 Ford Exploreroverall 82.6 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 91.8 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 87.4 | 47.8 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 97.5 | 94.8 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 70 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 85.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall | 92.2 | 82.6 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Toyota Sequoia: base trim SR5 4X2 · Ford Explorer: base trim Active RWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Toyota Sequoia wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 109 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 94 against 43).
- It turns out 583 lb-ft of torque against 310.
Where the 2025 Ford Explorer answers
- It lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 17.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (34 points against 29 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
What they share
- A 3-year basic warranty.
- 36,000-mile basic coverage.
- A 5-year powertrain warranty.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $62,425 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,445 cc | 2,261 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | i-FORCE MAX 3.5-liter aluminum block V6 Hybrid twin-turbo DOHC with Dual VVT-i | 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 24-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 437 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 583 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 21 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 24 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.31 | 3.58 |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 10 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.6 in | 7.6 in |
| Overall height | 74.5 in | 69.6 in |
| Overall length | 208 in | 199 in |
| Overall width | 79.6 in | 78.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 122 in | 119 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 86.9 cu-ft | 85.8 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 49 cu-ft | 46 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 22.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 153 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.2 in | 40.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 38.4 in | 40.5 in |
| Third-row headroom | 35.6 in | 38.9 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.2 in | 43 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.2 in | 39 in |
| Third-row legroom | 28.1 in | 32.2 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 5,620 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 5,620 lbs | 4,303 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 7,350 lbs | — |
| Payload capacity | 1,730 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent double-wishbone with stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers | independent |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link with coil springs and outboard-mounted twin-tube shock absorbers | independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electronic Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion | Electric Power-Assisted Steering |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 20.1 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 353 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | electric |
| Rear brake diameter | 345 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | aluminum |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P265/70R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 22.5 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Safety Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect | FordPass Connect |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 120 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 65 in | 62.1 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61.8 in | 61.9 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 62.6 in | 54.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
153 features · differences first, then sharedSafety38 differ · 43 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| 360-Degree Camera (with Split View) | std | — |
| Pre-Collision Assist – Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Braking | — | std |
| Driver and Passenger Dual-Stage Front Airbags | — | std |
| Evasive Steering Assist | — | std |
| Front-seat Side Airbags | — | std |
| Lane-Keeping System (Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Assist, Driver Alert) | — | std |
| Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ – Driver Alert | — | std |
| Hill Descent Control™ (4WD Models) | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) on Second and Third Row Outboard Seating Positions | — | std |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | — | std |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | std | — |
| 8 total airbags, including driver and passenger side, knee and curtain airbags | std | — |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | — | std |
| Backup camera with projected path | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks (and power window lockout control) | std | — |
| Curve Control | — | std |
| Drive-Start Control (DSC) | std | — |
| Driver and front (active) passenger headrests | std | — |
| Driver Knee Airbag | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (standard ADAS suite including Intersection Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Dynamic Brake Support) | — | std |
| Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors on all outboard second-row rear seats | std | — |
| Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) with cameras | std | — |
| Perimeter Alarm | — | std |
| Post-Collision Braking | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | — | std |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | — | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Traction Control [(TRAC)] | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5): Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) | std | — |
| SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) | — | std |
| AdvanceTrac™ with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and ESC | std | std |
| BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage | std | std |
| Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS) | std | std |
Infotainment13 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start System | — | opt |
| FordPass Connect™ – Remotely start, lock and unlock vehicle | — | std |
| Safety Connect — includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification | std | — |
| Audio – Six (6) Speakers | — | std |
| FordPass Connect™ – Locate parked vehicle | — | std |
| 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia — 14-in. touchscreen with 8 speakers, wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® compatible, SiriusXM® | opt | — |
| 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia — 8-in. touchscreen with 8 speakers, wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® compatible, SiriusXM® | std | — |
| 911 Assist® | — | std |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant/Maps/Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | — | std |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month prepaid subscription) | — | std |
| Steering Wheel Mounted Audio and Cruise Controls | — | std |
| USB Ports: First Row – One (1) "A" and One (1) "C" in Media Bin and Two (2) "C" in Center Floor Console; Second Row – Two (2) "C" and Third Row – Two (2) "C" | — | std |
| 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (connects up to 10 devices) | std | std |
Convenience9 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 400W/120V rear-seat and cargo area AC power outlet | opt | — |
| Battery Saver | — | std |
| Electronic locking fuel door | std | — |
| Front 12V auxiliary power outlet | std | — |
| Power Liftgate | — | std |
| Power windows with one-touch auto up/down and jam protection | std | — |
| SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad | — | opt |
| Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO) | — | opt |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | — | std |
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | std | std |
Climate3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | — | std |
| Rear-seat air vents | std | — |
| Second Row HVAC Controls | — | opt |
| Tri-Zone Electronic Temperature Control | std | std |
Seating8 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2-way power-adjustable lumbar support | opt | — |
| 60/40 split, reclining, fold-down, fold-up, tumble forward second-row seats with center armrests on outboard seats; adjustable headrests with one-touch access to third row | std | — |
| 8-Way Power Passenger Seat | std | opt |
| Fabric 60/40 split, sliding, reclining, fold-down third-row seating with adjustable headrests | std | — |
| Second Row Captain's Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrests | — | std |
| SofTex®-trimmed 60/40 split, sliding power reclining fold-down third-row seats with adjustable headrests | opt | — |
| SofTex®-trimmed seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's and front passenger seats with 2-way power-adjustable lumbar support | opt | — |
| Third Row 50/50 Split-Fold-Flat (Manual) | — | std |
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat | std | std |
| First Row Heated Seats | std | std |
| Unique Cloth Seating | std | std |
Interior23 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-in. digital meter with selectable gauge display screens and fuel economy, Driver Assist, vehicle/trip information, and warning message | std | — |
| 12.3" Color LCD Productivity Screen in Instrument Panel Cluster | — | std |
| Aluminum sport pedals | opt | — |
| Compass | — | std |
| Digital display auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® universal transceiver | opt | — |
| Fixed center console with gated shift lever, driving controls, four cup holders, and center storage bin | std | — |
| Front and rear assist grips | std | — |
| Front and rear LED maplights | std | — |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | — | std |
| Leather shift knob | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel with phone, audio, display/infotainment, and Driver Assist controls | std | — |
| Overhead console with rear window control, sunglasses storage and Safety Connect® | std | — |
| Red TRD engine start button | opt | — |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | — | std |
| Soft-touch instrument panel, center console and door surfaces | std | — |
| Thin-bezel auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver | std | — |
| TRD leather shift knob | opt | — |
| Day/Night Rearview Mirror – Manually Adjustable | — | std |
| Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors (Driver and Front Passenger) | — | std |
| Steering Column – Manual Tilt/Telescoping | — | std |
| Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows | — | std |
| Overhead Console with Sunglasses Storage | — | std |
| Trip Computer | — | std |
| Heated Steering Wheel | opt | opt |
Exterior36 differ · 37 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Shade | std | opt |
| LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Courtesy Delay | — | std |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Power-Folding with Autofold | std | — |
| "i-FORCE MAX" hood badge | std | — |
| "SEQUOIA" rear door badge | std | — |
| 18-in. styled-alloy wheels | std | — |
| 20-in. TRD Sport matte-black alloy wheels with TRD center caps | opt | — |
| Acoustic laminated windshield | std | — |
| Active Grille Shutters | — | std |
| Black horizontal-bar grille with chrome surround | std | — |
| Black roof-mounted shark-fin antenna | std | — |
| Black, heated, power auto-dimming outside tow mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators (bsm), and power-folding and power-extend features | opt | — |
| Color-keyed door handles, satin black outside mirror caps and roof rails | std | — |
| Configurable Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) | — | std |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | — | std |
| Flip-up rear window with defogger and privacy glass | std | — |
| Front door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature | std | — |
| Gloss black painted pillars | std | — |
| Heated power auto-dimming outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators (BSM) and power-folding and reverse tilt-down features | std | — |
| LED Fog Lamps with Skid Plate Elements, Front – Silver-Painted | — | opt |
| LED fog lights | std | — |
| LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), auto on/off feature, and manual leveling adjustment | std | — |
| LED Signature Lighting (Front Fascia) | — | opt |
| LED Taillamps with Amber Turn Signals | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| LED Trailer Reverse Assist (TRA) light | opt | — |
| Mirrors, Sideview – LED Turn Signal Indicators | std | — |
| Power extending tow mirrors with convex spotter and work light | opt | — |
| Roof-Rack Side Rails | — | std |
| Single exhaust tip | std | — |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | — | std |
| Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Privacy Glass – Second Row, Third Row and Liftgate | — | std |
| Rear-Window Defroster and Washer | — | std |
| Body-Color Rear Spoiler | — | std |
| Front and rear mudguards | std | — |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Power and Heated Glass | std | std |
Powertrain4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive | — | opt |
| Terrain Management System™ | — | std |
| Auto Start-Stop Technology | — | std |
| Driver Mode Select (DMS) switch and dial | std | — |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | — | std |
| Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars | — | std |
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | — | std |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | — | std |
| Multi-level adjustable cargo shelf system | std | — |
| Tow Technology Package – Digital display rearview mirror, Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist (SPA) | opt | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Sequoia
Safety Signal 94 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 11 · 1 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (4), Structure (3), Seat Belts (1)
Top recalls
- minor Equipment 26V179000 · 8,230 vehicles
- minor Back Over Prevention 25V657000 · 393,838 vehicles
Ford Explorer
Safety Signal 43 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 22 · 1 critical · 2 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 109 · 8 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (23), Service Brakes (20), Unspecified (19)
Top recalls
- critical Power Train 25V164000 · 269 vehicles
- high Seats 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- high Trailer Hitches 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota SequoiaSR5 4X2 | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $62,425 (base trim) | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $62,425 – $83,915 8 trims | — 8 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Sequoia 2WD | Explorer RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 22 | 24 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,050 | $2,800 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr | 5 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The Toyota Sequoia wins clearly, 92.2 to 82.6, on safety, performance, space & cargo. The Ford Explorer is ahead on tech & comfort and fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Toyota Sequoia scores 92.2 and the 2025 Ford Explorer 82.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
2025 Toyota Sequoia: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 2 recalls. 2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls (2 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Toyota Sequoia and the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Where the 2025 Toyota Sequoia wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 109 filed with NHTSA), has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 94 against 43), and turns out 583 lb-ft of torque against 310. Where the 2025 Ford Explorer answers: it lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 17 and lists more comfort and tech equipment (34 points against 29 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). What they share: a 3-year basic warranty, 36,000-mile basic coverage, and a 5-year powertrain warranty.