Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Ford Explorer Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Ford Explorer 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Ford Explorer Hybrid.
When we compare the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's and the Ford Explorer Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Ford Explorer Hybrid 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. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's and the Ford Explorer Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a better car than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Pricing: A used 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranges from $46,520 to $60,199 while a used 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid is priced between $46,390 to $52,920. For a new model, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's price is between $48,954 and $58,841, with the Ford Explorer Hybrid priced between $46,075 and $55,762.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.1 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer Hybrid loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 18.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer Hybrid.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s base engine makes 243 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer Hybrid base engine makes 318 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are hybrid SUVs, the Ford Explorer Hybrid 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Ford Explorer Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
46075 - 55762
Starting MSRP:
49515
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
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:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50676
Price Range:
46390 - 52920
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 $:
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
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
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
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.261920524661864
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 36Ford Explorer Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 14Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 28Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
36 out of / 36Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels
Limited, Limited 25th Edition, Platinum, XLE, XLE Nightshade
Ford Explorer Hybrid Trim Levels
Police Interceptor Utility
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
318 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
322 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Cargo Space:
52.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
90.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5091 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Heavy Metal / Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Dark Blue / Light Blue / Royal Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray / Sterling Gray
Green
Police Green
Red
Vermillion Red
Silver
Iconic Silver / Silver Gray
White
Oxford White
Beige
Arizona Beige Clearcoat
Brown
Kodiak Brown
Interior Colors
Beige
Harvest Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal Black
Gray
Not available
