Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer

On the market for your next full-size SUV? If so, you’re probably comparing fuel economy, safety, comfort, and entertainment features of the different options available to you. There are many durable vehicles out there, so to help you narrow down your options, our team at Andy Mohr Toyota created this helpful comparison of the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer.

These cars have many similarities, each offering standard third-row seating to help you bring your friends and family along for the ride. However, by examining their many differences, you’ll be better able to decide which vehicle is more suited to your Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield lifestyle. Read on to learn more about what sets these cars apart and contact our dealership with any questions you have.

Explore the Road Longer

Whether you’re running errands or taking a longer trip to visit family, your next SUV should be efficient enough to keep you from disrupting your drive to visit the pump frequently. The Toyota Highlander offers an available 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out an impressive 295 horsepower while still achieving an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.[1]

On the other hand, the comparable 3.5-liter V6 engine on the Ford Explorer outputs only 290 horsepower, so there may be a difference in acceleration and handling. This motor also generates an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, meaning you may spend more time fueling up in this SUV.

Taking efficiency one step further, the Highlander also offers a hybrid model that ups efficiency to an EPA-estimated 30 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, making for far fewer gas station runs during your morning commute or while on road trips.¹ Unfortunately, the Explorer doesn’t offer a more efficient hybrid model. 

Room for Everyone and Everything  

The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer offer third-row seating, making them ideal vehicles for larger families or for traveling often with friends. However, the Highlander features seating for up to eight passengers, while the Explorer only has room for seven. So, the Explorer may not be able to fit everyone on your way to the movies or soccer practice.

If you’re traveling alone, fold down the 60/40 split third row to gain access to additional cargo space for your camping gear or road trip essentials. It might be a tight fit in the Explorer, since it only offers a maximum cargo space of 81.7 cubic feet. However, the Highlander can better handle your bulkier items as it provides 83.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.

Relaxing and Welcoming Interior Amenities

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a full cabin, you’ll be treated to a premium ride packed with amenities designed to keep you and your passengers comfortable. When weather is unfavorable, available heated and ventilated front seating on the Highlander and the Explorer allow you to find the ideal driving temperature. Your rear-seat passengers will be able to warm up as well with available heated second-row seating.

The Explorer is roomy, offering 42.9 inches of front legroom, allowing you to stretch out during long treks in the car. But taller drivers will probably prefer the 44.2 inches the Toyota Highlander has to offer. Additionally, an available 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power thigh and lumbar support in the Highlander helps combat driving fatigue during longer stretches. The Ford Explorer falls short though, offering an available 10-way power driver’s seat, so you may not be able to find your ideal driving position.

Stay Entertained Throughout the Ride

With superior gas mileage and an inviting interior, you may find yourself spending extra time behind the wheel. To keep your entire cabin entertained throughout the ride, the Highlander and Explorer are equipped with multiple entertainment systems. Both SUVs provide your rear passengers with rear-seat entertainment systems allowing them to watch their favorite shows and movies for a more engaging and interesting ride. When your passengers are enjoying this system, they’ll still be able to hear you thanks to Driver Easy Speak in the Highlander, which amplifies your voice to the back of the vehicle. Since this feature isn’t available on the Explorer, your passengers might have a hard time hearing you.

Up front the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer offer 8-inch infotainment displays allowing you to connect your compatible device to enjoy a customized listening experience. With the Entune™ Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and Entune® App Suite in the Highlander, you’ll be treated to a split-screen display to utilize your navigation and control your music library at the same time. Unfortunately, in the Explorer, you run the risk of missing important navigation instructions since its display doesn’t have split-screen capabilities.

Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Safety Comparison

When it comes to your family and friends, a comprehensive set of active and passive safety features are paramount. To help keep everyone in your vehicle protected, the Highlander comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P. This suite of safety systems includes Pre-Collision Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. These systems scan the changing road around you for obstacles to help you avoid a potential collision.

While the Ford Explorer does offer similar safety technology, these features don’t come standard and you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim in order to make them available. Meanwhile, no matter if you choose the baseline trim or the deluxe Toyota Highlander Limited, you’ll be privy to Toyota Safety Sense™ P.

Test Drive Your Favorite SUV Today!

If you’re looking for an efficient, comfortable, and entertaining ride equipped with standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a great option for your next ride. If you’re local to the Avon, Indianapolis, or Plainfield areas and would like to get behind the wheel of one, stop by the showroom at Andy Mohr Toyota.

A member of our sales team will happily show you any features you’re interested in learning more about and get you behind the wheel, so you can experience the powerful and efficient V6 engine firsthand. Visit our dealership or contact us today to schedule a test drive!