Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
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:
$36,442 - $59,358
Used Asking Price:
$34,452 - $54,990
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$38,193 - $51,672
Used Asking Price:
$34,702 - $48,996
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.1%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 31iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 61Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 31Summary 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
- Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
ST, Platinum, King Ranch, Police Interceptor Utility, XLT, Timberline, Base, Limited, ST-Line
Trim Levels
LE, L, 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:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Tow/Haul Capacities:
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
Tow/Haul Capacities:
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
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
