2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (239 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 702 kg more than 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Because 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (377 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | FJ Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 17 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 72 L |
