2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser (260 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (330 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer. 2002 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser has manual transmission. 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | FJ Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1811 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
