I have driven both a 4runner (loaner car) and owned a Ford Explorer

4Runner-I would say it is VERY rough driving, you know your driving a truck and the loose steering didn't inspire much confidence in it's safety, it is a tall, harsh car and I wouldn't recommend it due to the fact that it is expensive and never felt very sold, on the upside the Seats are very comftorable and it has a good sound system and I like the looks

Explorer-This is definitly a better vehicle then the 4runner, especially now with the improvements they have made. My Eddie Bauer 4x4 was good in all areas but never great, it offered good comfort, a great sound system and excellent (in my opinion) braking, but again loose steering! I loved the look of the interior and found it to be quite durable under heavy use. The AC/Heat system worked well for me. On the down side, like the X5 the seats could be considered stiff and suffered from cheap-grade easily fading leather that looked aged quick quickly.

Overall-The Explorer is a far superior car, then and today to the 4runner, it's safer, quieter and more luxurious then the 4runner, the 4 is better offroad but you do not need that, so why sacrifice the comfort of a lower step in height?

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The Present:
2014 Audi Q5 TDI Prestige
The Past:
2013 Lexus GS350
2013 VW Golf TDI
2007 BMW X5 4.8i LOADED & Loved
2009 VW Jetta
2008 VW Touareg VR6
2005 BMW X5 3.0i
2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2003 BMW 325i
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4