Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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

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

Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $37,722 to $57,414 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $46,520 to $60,199. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,643 and $61,641, with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid priced between $48,954 and $58,841.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 14.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander Hybrid is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 6 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being ranked 1 out of 16 Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid an advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 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 539 miles. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 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, rear leg room, and cargo space.

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

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Model & Pricing
Ford Explorer
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2025 Ford Explorer
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Ford Explorer for Sale

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

40643 - 61641

Starting MSRP:

40050

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

38382

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

31990 - 43000

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

48954 - 58841

Starting MSRP:

46820

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

48413

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

37800 - 60490

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

46451

Price Range:

37722 - 57414

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

45804

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

36966 - 59949

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

3196

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

22952

# Good or Great Deals:

1623

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

53080

Price Range:

46520 - 60199

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

51507

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

40518 - 65239

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

Depreciation %:

Resale Value $:

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.48432299

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.30530799 - 0.56163117

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

18079

Depreciation %:

0.38612833

Resale Value $:

28741

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

0.38635449

Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

0.32753242 - 0.55374955

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

9.3

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.9

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.7 - 16.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

17.7

Typical Category Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.61



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

35.73669729298925

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.5 - 39.2

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.6006999209915365

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2.2 - 7.9

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 Hybrid Rankings

Best Family Hybrid SUVs

1 / 41

Best Family Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 36

Best Family Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 16

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 16

Best Family Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

1 / 12

Safest Hybrid SUVs

2 / 41

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs

2 / 36

Best Hybrid SUVs for the Money

2 / 36

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

2 / 16

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 12

Best Hybrid SUVs

3 / 41

Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs

4 / 41

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 36

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 16

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

5 / 41

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

5 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

5 / 12

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Towing

6 / 36

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Towing

6 / 16

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 12

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 36

Most Affordable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 13

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 12

Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

9 / 41

Hybrid SUVs with Best Resale Value

9 / 41

Best Off-road Hybrid Midsize SUVs

9 / 16

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

9 / 12

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 12

Most Comfortable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

10 / 16

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

10 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

10 / 12

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 16

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Tall People

12 / 16

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

13 / 16

Most Comfortable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

15 / 36

Best Off-road Hybrid Crossover SUVs

17 / 36

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

17 / 36

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs

18 / 41

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Tall People

21 / 36

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

21 / 36

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs

22 / 41

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Horsepower

22 / 41

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Legroom

22 / 41

Best Hybrid SUVs for Tall People

25 / 41

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid SUVs

28 / 41

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs

28 / 36

Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

28 / 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

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels

Limited, Limited 25th Edition, Platinum, XLE, XLE Nightshade

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:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

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):

0.070 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

5000 lbs

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

243 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Not yet available

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

0.054 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 / 29 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

372 / 539 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:

AWD

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


35 / 35 / 35

Range (city/hwy):

599 / 599 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

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

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Standard

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

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

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

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

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

16.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

85.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.2 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

42 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.4 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

155.5 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4303 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.6 inches

Length:

198.7 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.6 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4515 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 with painted accents

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Blue

Vapor Blue

Gray

Carbonized Gray

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White / Space White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat

Green

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Heavy Metal / Magnetic Gray Metallic

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Wind Chill Pearl

Green

Cypress

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Interior Colors

Gray

Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx

Beige

Not available

Black

Not available

Interior Colors

Gray

Graphite

Beige

Harvest Beige

Black

Black

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