Ford Explorer ST Drags Toyota GR Supra, Unexpected Rivalry Yields Surprise Result

We have seen just about anything at BRP and Motorplex, including crashes, records, sleepers, stick shift wonders, exotics, and six-second monsters, plus anything in between. But that doesn't mean that Island Dragway's strip is boring. Instead, the videographer has a keen eye for selecting cool stuff like a 1,025-horsepower 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 getting a nasty surprise while battling the eternal Ford Mustang and some classic muscle cars or the awkward meeting between a Ford Mustang Mach-E and a Pontiac G8 GT.

Just recently, they also showed us a silent race between a couple of Tesla Model S Plaids, but luckily for ICE-powered automotive fans, now the channel's host is back with roaring action and a couple of unexpected rivals – the Ford Explorer ST crossover SUV and Toyota's GR Supra two-door sports car. According to the description, that test and tune day in Great Meadows, New Jersey, took an unexpected turn as an EcoBoost CUV lined up against a traditional track weapon.

The "Ford Explorer ST might not be the first vehicle you think of for a drag race," especially against a Toyota GR Supra, "known for its sharp handling and incredible power," says the videographer, so we quickly watched the short video to find out who took the laurels. Quite surprisingly, these unexpected rivals also yielded an interesting result: 11.95s versus 13.05 at 117 mph and 113 mph, respectively. However, the winner wasn't the Japanese sports car with Bavarian DNA. Instead, the practical yet sporty Explorer ST claimed the victory!

By the way, back in February, Ford and Lincoln were busy introducing the seven-seat Explorer and Aviator for 2025MY at home in America – and the two share the underpinnings plus EcoBoost V6 across certain Explorer variants. It's hard to choose which of the two is better for Blue Oval fans, but the Ford model does have the advantage of being a lot cheaper yet just as feisty in top trims.

As for the Toyota GR Supra, there is reason to believe the continued backlash against its BMW DNA corroborated with the arrival of higher-powered rivals like the Nissan Z and the Japanese automaker's well-known high pricing policy have resulted in much of the fanfare surrounding the Supra dwindling. The Q1 sales results point to a 44% drop in sales – 484 units during the first three months of the year, which also compares negatively to Nissan Z's rise to 671 units.