Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer – Which SUV is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer often top the list for many drivers Both SUVs offer a unique blend of performance features and comfort that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences However each model has its own strengths and a few areas where it falls short To help you make an informed decision let's dive deep into what each vehicle offers

Overview

Toyota and Ford are well-known automotive brands with a solid reputation for producing quality vehicles The Highlander and Explorer each bring a distinctive approach to the midsize SUV market

• Toyota Highlander: Known for its reliability fuel efficiency and a family-friendly approach The Highlander appeals to those looking for a comfortable and safe ride
• Ford Explorer: Built with power and versatility in mind The Explorer attracts drivers who need more towing capacity and often crave a bit more adventure on rougher terrain

So which one is the best fit for you? Let’s take a closer look at the features performance safety and pricing of each model to help you decide

Performance and Engine Options

Both the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer offer multiple engine options catering to different driving needs

Toyota Highlander Performance

The Toyota Highlander prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth driving more than raw power making it an ideal choice for city driving and suburban commutes The base model comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers about 186 horsepower and offers an impressive estimated 36 mpg combined on the hybrid model For those who want a bit more muscle the Highlander also offers a V6 engine which provides 295 horsepower

Some potential drawbacks to the Highlander's performance include

• Not as powerful as the Explorer’s top engines
• Lacks the off-road capability that some adventurous drivers might prefer

Ford Explorer Performance

In contrast the Ford Explorer is built with power and versatility in mind The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower giving it a noticeable advantage in acceleration over the Highlander's base model For those needing extra power the Explorer offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 400 horsepower—great for towing and heavy-duty use

The Explorer also has a rear-wheel drive option which improves handling and makes it a stronger choice for off-road adventures

Potential drawbacks with the Explorer include

• Lower fuel efficiency compared to the Highlander especially on the higher-end models
• Larger turning radius making it a bit harder to maneuver in tight spaces

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to interior space and comfort both the Highlander and Explorer shine but in different ways

Toyota Highlander Interior

The Highlander’s interior is crafted with family comfort in mind It seats up to eight passengers with ample legroom in the first two rows however the third row might feel cramped for adults The materials inside are high-quality with soft-touch surfaces and an intuitive infotainment system

Features worth noting

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available 12.3-inch screen on higher trims
• Plenty of storage compartments for family road trips

On the downside

• The third row is best suited for children or short trips
• Limited cargo space behind the third row when fully occupied

Ford Explorer Interior

The Explorer’s cabin is designed to accommodate passengers with a more spacious feel It seats up to seven passengers with more generous space in the third row compared to the Highlander The Explorer also offers more luxurious trims like the Platinum and ST models which feature leather upholstery and a premium sound system

Key interior features include

• 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen on select trims
• Tri-zone climate control for personalized comfort
• Optional massaging seats for a more premium experience

Drawbacks

• Basic interior materials on lower trims feel less refined
• Tech interface may be less intuitive for some users

Technology and Infotainment

In today's world technology is crucial and both Toyota and Ford have packed these SUVs with modern tech features

Toyota Highlander Tech

The Highlander offers a straightforward and user-friendly infotainment system even at the base level The 8-inch touchscreen is standard across most trims with an option to upgrade to a 12.3-inch display It also includes Apple CarPlay Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration

Ford Explorer Tech

The Ford Explorer matches up well with its SYNC 3 infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay Android Auto and FordPass Connect However the 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen available on higher trims offers a unique look that some users may love while others might find it less practical for quick access

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for both Toyota and Ford with each SUV packed with advanced driver assistance technologies

Toyota Highlander Safety

The Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 25 as standard on all trims This package includes

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Dynamic radar cruise control

Highlander also receives top ratings from IIHS making it one of the safest SUVs on the road

Ford Explorer Safety

The Explorer comes equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite which includes

• Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping system

Though the Explorer also scores well in crash tests it slightly lags behind the Highlander in certain safety evaluations

Fuel Efficiency

One of the biggest differences between the Highlander and Explorer lies in fuel economy

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Up to 36 mpg combined

• Toyota Highlander Gas Model: Around 23 mpg combined

• Ford Explorer: The base model with the EcoBoost engine offers 24 mpg combined but the more powerful V6 engine sacrifices fuel economy

Towing Capacity

If towing is a factor in your decision then the Explorer might be the better choice

• Toyota Highlander: Towing capacity of up to 5000 lbs
• Ford Explorer: Towing capacity of up to 5600 lbs

Pricing and Value

Toyota Highlander Pricing

The Toyota Highlander has a slightly higher starting price than the Explorer but it also includes more standard features

• Base model starting price: around $37,000
• High-end trims: over $50,000

Ford Explorer Pricing

The Ford Explorer’s pricing is more competitive but you might need to upgrade trims to access certain features

• Base model starting price: around $36,000
• High-end trims: close to $54,000 for fully loaded models

Pros and Cons

Toyota Highlander Pros

• Better fuel efficiency especially with the hybrid option
• High safety ratings and advanced features as standard
• Smooth and quiet ride ideal for families

Toyota Highlander Cons

• Less powerful engines compared to Explorer
• Limited cargo space with all seats up
• Third row cramped for adults

Ford Explorer Pros

• Powerful engine options especially the V6 for towing
• Spacious third row suitable for adults
• Rear-wheel drive option for off-road capability

Ford Explorer Cons

• Lower fuel efficiency especially with the powerful engines
• Interior materials feel less premium on base trims
• Larger turning radius makes city maneuvering tricky

What the Experts Say

"I find the Toyota Highlander to be a great choice for families especially those who prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability It’s the kind of SUV that’s built to last” – Alex Collantes Automotive Expert

“The Ford Explorer just has that power and rugged feel It’s a bit more adventurous and capable which makes it my pick for anyone looking to do more towing or off-road driving” – Alex Collantes Automotive Expert

Final Verdict

The choice between the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer really comes down to your specific needs If you prioritize fuel efficiency and a family-friendly design the Highlander may be your best bet On the other hand if power and towing capacity are more important the Explorer could be the better option