2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
In comparing the 2012 Toyota Highlander's and the 2012 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2012 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Toyota Highlander's and the 2012 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2012 Ford Explorer.
2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Ford Explorer Pricing
A used 2012 Toyota Highlander ranges from $9,998 to $20,994 while a used 2012 Ford Explorer is priced between $7,500 to $17,195.
2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Toyota Highlander loses 38.1 percent of its value and the 2012 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Toyota Highlander retains 8.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Ford Explorer.
2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Ford Explorer Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 9.0 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 2 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31. Out of 22 Best 7-Seater SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 5. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 3 out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Ford Explorer is ranked 6 out of 30. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 6 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 10 out of 66.
2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Ford Explorer Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.7 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2012 Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the 2012 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 480 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 465 miles. This gives the 2012 Toyota Highlander the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2012 Ford Explorer. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2012 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2012 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2012 Toyota Highlander and the 2012 Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
9998 - 20994
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.380816
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
7500 - 17195
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.958187 / 10
Reliability:
8.674561 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 17Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 17Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
53 out of / 58Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2012 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
Base, Limited, SE
2012 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1500 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 25 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 480 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 25 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
335 / 465 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Cargo Space:
10.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
95.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
156.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3946 lbs
Width:
75.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
188.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4557 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/65R17