Car Advice

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Fits Your Needs?

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander

Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander can be a tough decision for families and individuals seeking a reliable, versatile SUV. Both vehicles have a reputation for delivering a comfortable ride, impressive technology, and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. However, subtle differences between the two might make one a better fit for your specific needs. Whether you’re planning daily commutes, weekend adventures, or family road trips, it’s essential to compare the features, performance, safety, and overall value of both SUVs before making your final decision.

If you’re in the market for a new SUV, visiting J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler will give you the chance to test drive the Ford Explorer and see firsthand how it stacks up against the Toyota Highlander. In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore key factors such as performance, interior space, technology, safety features, and overall value to help you decide which SUV is the best fit for your lifestyle.

1. Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance, both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander offer solid engine options, but there are notable differences in power, towing capacity, and overall driving experience.

  • Ford Explorer: The 2024 Ford Explorer is known for its range of powerful engines, providing drivers with a variety of options depending on their preferences. The base model comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower, offering excellent acceleration and towing capacity. For those seeking more power, the Explorer also offers a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower in the performance-oriented ST model. The Explorer has an available hybrid powertrain that combines efficiency with capability, making it a versatile option for families who want both power and fuel savings. The Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, which is ideal for those who plan to haul trailers or boats.
  • Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 265 horsepower. While this engine is adequate for everyday driving, it falls short compared to the Explorer’s more powerful options. The Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower. While the Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient, it lacks the punch of the Explorer’s hybrid option. The Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is slightly lower than the Explorer but still sufficient for most families.

Verdict: If you prioritize power and towing capability, the Ford Explorer is the clear winner, especially with its high-output V6 engine. However, the Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency with its hybrid model, making it a strong choice for eco-conscious drivers.

2. Interior Space and Comfort

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are three-row SUVs designed to accommodate families and large groups of passengers. However, there are differences in interior space, seating arrangements, and overall comfort.

  • Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with seating for up to seven passengers. The second-row seats are available as either a bench or captain’s chairs, allowing for a more flexible seating configuration. The Explorer also provides more legroom in the third row compared to the Highlander, making it a better option for families with older children or adults who need to use the third row regularly. In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded down, providing plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or sporting equipment.
  • Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander also offers seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. While the cabin is well-designed and comfortable, the third row in the Highlander is noticeably more cramped than in the Explorer, making it less suitable for adults or taller passengers. In terms of cargo space, the Highlander provides 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down, slightly less than the Explorer but still offering plenty of space for most families.

Verdict: The Ford Explorer offers more interior space, particularly in the third row, making it a better choice for families who need to maximize passenger comfort. However, both vehicles offer flexible seating and ample cargo space, so the difference may come down to how frequently you use the third row.

3. Technology and Infotainment

In today’s market, advanced technology and infotainment systems are essential for keeping passengers connected and entertained on the road. Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander come equipped with modern tech features, but there are differences in the user interface and available options.

  • Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and higher trims offer a massive 10.1-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. Ford’s SYNC 3 system is intuitive and easy to use, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For audiophiles, the Explorer offers an available 12-speaker B&O sound system. The Explorer also has an available digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display, which projects important driving information directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.
  • Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.3-inch display in higher trims. Toyota’s infotainment system is straightforward, though some users may find the interface slightly less intuitive than Ford’s SYNC system. The Highlander also includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Like the Explorer, it offers a premium JBL sound system for higher trims, providing excellent audio quality. However, the Highlander lacks a heads-up display, which is an advantage of the Explorer.

Verdict: Both SUVs offer modern infotainment systems with plenty of features, but the Ford Explorer stands out with its larger available touchscreen, heads-up display, and user-friendly interface. The Toyota Highlander, however, offers a comparable experience for most tech-savvy drivers.

4. Safety Features and Ratings

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a top priority for families, and both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer a range of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to keep passengers safe.

  • Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera are available on higher trims. The Explorer has earned high safety ratings from the NHTSA, receiving a five-star overall safety rating.
  • Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Highlander also comes standard with a rearview camera and offers available parking sensors and a surround-view camera. Like the Explorer, the Highlander has earned excellent safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Verdict: Both SUVs are highly rated for safety and come with advanced driver-assistance features as standard. Families can feel confident choosing either vehicle when it comes to safety, as both provide comprehensive protection for passengers.

5. Pricing and Value

For many buyers, pricing is a critical factor in deciding which SUV to choose. Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are priced competitively within the midsize SUV segment, but there are differences in the cost of entry and available features.

  • Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer’s starting price is slightly higher than the Highlander’s, with the base model beginning around $37,000. However, the Explorer offers more powerful engine options and greater towing capacity, which may justify the higher price for those who need more performance. Higher trims, such as the ST and Platinum models, can exceed $55,000, but they come with premium features and luxury-level appointments.
  • Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander starts at a lower base price, around $36,000, making it a more affordable option for families on a budget. While the Highlander lacks the performance-oriented trims found in the Explorer, it offers excellent value for families who prioritize comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency over raw power.

Verdict: The Toyota Highlander is the more affordable option for families looking for a well-rounded SUV at a lower price point. However, the Ford Explorer offers more value for those seeking higher performance, better towing capacity, and additional features.

Conclusion

Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are excellent choices for families seeking a reliable and versatile midsize SUV. The Ford Explorer stands out for its powerful engine options, spacious third-row seating, and advanced technology, making it an ideal choice for those who need more performance and flexibility. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers a smoother ride, better fuel efficiency, and a lower starting price, making it a great option for families who prioritize comfort and value.

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