Uncovering The Champions Of Reliability: Ford Explorer Vs Toyota Highlander – A Tale Of Two Titans

When it comes to choosing a reliable SUV, two of the most popular options are the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and advanced safety features. However, when it comes to reliability, which one comes out on top? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reliability records of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, comparing their performance in various aspects to determine which SUV reigns supreme in terms of dependability.

Reliability Ratings:

To assess the reliability of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, we’ll refer to reputable sources such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. These organizations conduct extensive surveys and collect data from thousands of vehicle owners to provide comprehensive reliability ratings.

J.D. Power:

J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) evaluates the long-term reliability of vehicles based on owner feedback. In its 2023 VDS, the Toyota Highlander received an impressive score of 83 out of 100, ranking it among the top performers in the midsize SUV segment. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, scored 79 out of 100, indicating a slightly lower level of reliability.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey provides another valuable perspective on vehicle reliability. The 2023 survey ranked the Toyota Highlander as one of the most reliable SUVs, with an overall score of 84 out of 100. The Ford Explorer, however, received a lower score of 76 out of 100, suggesting that it may experience more problems than the Highlander.

Common Problems:

To gain a deeper understanding of the reliability issues associated with the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, we’ll examine some of the common problems reported by owners.

Ford Explorer:

Some common problems reported with the Ford Explorer include:

• Transmission issues, such as slipping gears or rough shifting.
• Engine problems, including oil leaks and turbocharger failures.
• Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or malfunctioning sensors.
• Suspension problems, such as worn-out struts or broken springs.

Toyota Highlander:

The Toyota Highlander has also been known to experience certain issues, including:

• Brake problems, such as premature wear or pulsation.
• Fuel system problems, such as faulty fuel pumps or injectors.
• Air conditioning problems, such as leaks or compressor failures.
• Infotainment system problems, such as touchscreen glitches or software bugs.

Safety Features:

Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer a range of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. These features include:

Ford Explorer:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
• Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

Toyota Highlander:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
• Lane departure alert with steering assist.
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Adaptive cruise control with full-speed range.

Fuel Efficiency:

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. Let’s compare the fuel economy ratings of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander:

Ford Explorer:

• EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (2.3L EcoBoost engine)
• EPA-estimated fuel economy: 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway (3.0L EcoBoost engine)

Toyota Highlander:

• EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (2.5L 4-cylinder engine)
• EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (3.5L V6 engine)

Price:

The price of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander varies depending on the trim level and options chosen. However, in general, the Toyota Highlander tends to be slightly more expensive than the Ford Explorer.

Ford Explorer:

• Starting price: $36,675
• Top-of-the-line trim price: $59,310

Toyota Highlander:

• Starting price: $36,970
• Top-of-the-line trim price: $51,415

Pros and Cons:

To summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, here’s a breakdown:

Ford Explorer:

Pros:

• Powerful engine options
• Spacious interior
• Advanced safety features
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Lower reliability ratings compared to the Toyota Highlander
• Common problems with transmission, engine, and electrical systems

Toyota Highlander:

Pros:

• Excellent reliability ratings
• Comfortable and spacious interior
• Strong fuel efficiency
• Advanced safety features

Cons:

• Slightly higher price than the Ford Explorer
• Some reported issues with brakes, fuel system, and infotainment system

The Verdict: Toyota Highlander Takes the Crown

Based on the evidence gathered from various sources, the Toyota Highlander emerges as the winner in terms of reliability. Its consistently high ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, coupled with fewer reported common problems, indicate that the Highlander is a more dependable choice compared to the Ford Explorer. Additionally, the Highlander offers strong fuel efficiency and a comfortable interior, making it a well-rounded SUV.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
A: Both vehicles offer a range of advanced safety features, but the Toyota Highlander generally receives higher safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer offers slightly more cargo space and seating capacity compared to the Toyota Highlander.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Explorer offers more powerful engine options, including a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that produces 400 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Ford Explorer offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.