2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander
In comparing the 2022 Ford Explorer's and the 2022 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2022 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The 2022 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Toyota Highlander have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2022 Ford Explorer's and the 2022 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2022 Ford Explorer.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Pricing
A used 2022 Ford Explorer ranges from $30,265 to $52,988 while a used 2022 Toyota Highlander is priced between $32,733 to $48,436. For a new model, the 2022 Ford Explorer's price is between $41,257 and $59,563, with the 2022 Toyota Highlander priced between $36,231 and $51,608.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2022 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value and the 2022 Toyota Highlander loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the 2022 Toyota Highlander retains 8.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2022 Ford Explorer.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.2 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 9.0 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 6 out of 21 Best 7-Seater SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 21. Out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Ford Explorer is ranked 9 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 13 out of 30 Best Midsize SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3 out of 30. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 18 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2 out of 66.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.6 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.7 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 2022 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2022 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. Both the Explorer and the Highlander are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2022 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2022 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$41,257 - $59,563
Used Asking Price:
$30,265 - $52,988
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$36,231 - $51,608
Used Asking Price:
$32,733 - $48,436
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.1%
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 55Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 55Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 55Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 55Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 55Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 55Ranking
19 out of / 55Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 55Ranking
40 out of / 66Ranking
40 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 53Ranking
48 out of / 62Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 16Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
57 out of / 62Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
2022 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
2022 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
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
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:
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 Specifications
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):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
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:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 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:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
