2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2020 Toyota Highlander.

When comparing the 2020 Ford Explorer's and the 2020 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. The 2020 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Ford Explorer's and the 2020 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2020 Toyota Highlander.

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Explorer ranges from $18,331 to $35,870 while a used 2020 Toyota Highlander is priced between $23,996 to $38,966.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the 2020 Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Toyota Highlander retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Ford Explorer.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 6 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 31. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Ford Explorer is ranked 7 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 13 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 4 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 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 2020 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2020 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 538 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. This gives the 2020 Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2020 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2020 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2020 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer a diverse lineup of trim levels and powertrains. The Explorer is a slightly larger vehicle, offering more passenger and cargo room, but the Highlander can seat eight across its three rows, whereas the Ford can only seat seven. The base gas-engine Explorer costs a couple thousand dollars less than a comparable Highlander, but if you desire a hybrid powertrain, the Toyota is $10K+ less expensive. While both models offer optional all-wheel drive, the standard Ford Explorer is rear-wheel drive, whereas the front wheels do the work on the Toyota Highlander. Both SUVs provide a handful of connected services as standard, but the Highlander provides more functionality. Toyota also provides free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles; Explorer owners must earn points through the FordPass app to access free services. Bottom line: If space, acceleration, and towing are important to you, the Explorer has the advantage. If fuel economy, reliability, and resale value top your list, consider the Highlander.

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Model & Pricing
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Ford Explorer
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2020 Ford Explorer for Sale

2020 Toyota Highlander
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2020 Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

32765

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

30923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

23675 - 36120

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

34600

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

30923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

23675 - 36120

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

26190

Price Range:

18331 - 35870

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

24493

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

15956 - 37674

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2890

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

87219

# Good or Great Deals:

1737

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

30924

Price Range:

23996 - 38966

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

24493

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

15956 - 37674

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

624

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

87227

# Good or Great Deals:

328

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

4.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.2

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.1 - 11.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.2

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.1 - 11.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.387



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

35.486116959644185

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.0 - 35.5

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.882265635890397

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.0 - 35.5

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 14

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 13

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 8

Safest Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

5 / 8

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 29

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

7 / 26

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

8 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

9 / 29

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

9 / 14

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

11 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs

13 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 33

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

15 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

20 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

21 / 33

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

27 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

27 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

29 / 54

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

30 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

31 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

37 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

47 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 66

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Best Midsize SUVs

1 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

2 / 31

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 29

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

3 / 26

Best Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

4 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

6 / 66

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

7 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

7 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

9 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

9 / 31

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

12 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 29

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 54

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

21 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 33

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

25 / 26

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 31

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

29 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

29 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

29 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

29 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

32 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

44 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

54 / 54

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.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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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

Pros and Cons

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability

  • Third-row space a bit cramped

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2020 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, XLT

2020 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.069 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.071 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


21 / 28 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

403 / 538 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

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):


20 / 28 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

358 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.8 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

18.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

87.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

170.9 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4345 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.9 inches

Length:

198.8 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4145 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

255/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Blue

Blue

Gray

Magnetic

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White

Brown

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Brown

Opulent Amber

Interior Colors

Beige

Sandstone

Black

Not available

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

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