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2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 Hybrid.

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Explorer ranges from $22,987 to $38,899 while a used 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $29,967 to $42,996.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.3 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 9.3 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 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being ranked 1 out of 32 Best Hybrid SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the reliability rating is 9.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 538 miles. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles. This gives the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2020 Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, 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 Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, 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 Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2020 Ford Explorer
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2020 Ford Explorer for Sale

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$32,765

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,675 - $36,120

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$38,200

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$39,408

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$38,200 - $40,615

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$29,989

Price Range:

$22,987 - $38,899

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,718

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$18,600 - $37,369

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2,745

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

62,219

# Good or Great Deals:

1,163

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$36,491

Price Range:

$29,967 - $42,996

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$33,671

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$30,850 - $36,491

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

116

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

62,932

# Good or Great Deals:

31

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

9.2 / 10

Reliability:

9.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6 - 9.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.5%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

86.6%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

28.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 31.3

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

5.3

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

4.1

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2.8 - 5.3

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 17

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

6 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

11 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

13 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

13 / 16

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

14 / 21

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

20 / 39

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

20 / 28

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

22 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

23 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

25 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

28 / 30

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

29 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

53 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 67

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings

Best Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Safest Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Best Family Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 27

Best Family Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 27

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 12

Best Family Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 12

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

1 / 9

Best Family Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 9

Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs

2 / 32

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

2 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for the Money

2 / 2

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 27

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Tall People

3 / 27

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 12

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Towing

4 / 27

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Towing

4 / 12

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Tall People

4 / 12

Most Affordable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

4 / 11

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

4 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 9

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for Tall People

5 / 32

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 27

Most Comfortable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

5 / 27

Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 32

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs

7 / 32

Best Off-road Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 12

Most Comfortable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

7 / 9

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

8 / 9

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 12

Best Off-road Hybrid Crossover SUVs

11 / 27

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 27

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs

15 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Horsepower

17 / 32

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs

17 / 30

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 27

Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

17 / 26

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Legroom

19 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid SUVs

21 / 32

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 Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which 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
  • Full suite of standard safety features

  • Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
  • Third row legroom less than competition

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

2020 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

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

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels

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

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 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

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 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:

243 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Not yet available

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

0.056 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:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

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


36 / 35 / 36

Range (city/hwy):

616 / 599 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:

Standard

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:

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:

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:

4330 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

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic / Moondust

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Brown

Opulent Amber

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Interior Colors

Beige

Sandstone

Black

Not available

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

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