Toyota Grand Highlander Vs Ford Explorer: A Battle Of The Titans – Who Will Win?

In the realm of three-row SUVs, two titans stand tall, each promising a blend of versatility, power, and comfort: the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Ford Explorer. As you embark on your quest for the ideal family hauler, let’s delve into the depths of these automotive behemoths, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the undisputed champion.

Engine and Performance: Powerhouse Contenders

1. Toyota Grand Highlander:

• Standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Delivers a robust 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque
• Optional 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain
• Boasts an impressive 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
• Offers a smooth and efficient driving experience

2. Ford Explorer:

• Standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Produces a capable 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
• Available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine
• Unleashes a thrilling 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
• Delivers a powerful and exhilarating performance

Interior and Comfort: A Realm of Spaciousness and Luxury

1. Toyota Grand Highlander:

• Roomy three-row seating for up to eight passengers
• Ample legroom and headroom in all three rows
• Premium materials and refined craftsmanship elevate the cabin
• Intuitive infotainment system with a user-friendly interface
• Advanced safety features ensure peace of mind on every journey

2. Ford Explorer:

• Accommodating three-row seating for up to seven passengers
• Generous legroom and headroom for all occupants
• High-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail enhance the interior
• SYNC® 4 infotainment system offers seamless connectivity and entertainment
• Comprehensive safety technologies provide a secure driving experience

Cargo Capacity: Versatility at Your Fingertips

1. Toyota Grand Highlander:

• Offers 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
• Expands to a cavernous 84.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded
• Flexible seating configurations allow for various cargo and passenger combinations
• Convenient hands-free liftgate simplifies loading and unloading

2. Ford Explorer:

• Provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
• Expands to a spacious 87.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded
• Versatile seating arrangements cater to diverse cargo and passenger needs
• Power liftgate with foot-activated operation enhances convenience

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy

1. Toyota Grand Highlander:

• EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for the four-cylinder engine
• Hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway
• Efficient powertrains prioritize fuel economy without compromising performance

2. Ford Explorer:

• EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the four-cylinder engine
• Hybrid powertrain achieves 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway
• Capable engines strike a balance between power and fuel efficiency

Safety Features: Unwavering Protection for Your Family

1. Toyota Grand Highlander:

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced safety features
• Includes lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhance situational awareness
• Comprehensive safety features provide peace of mind on every journey

2. Ford Explorer:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety technologies
• Features lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision assist
• Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert help prevent potential collisions
• Extensive safety features ensure the well-being of occupants and other road users

Price and Value: Weighing the Scales

1. Toyota Grand Highlander:

• Starting MSRP of $36,420 for the base L trim
• Limited trim offers a premium experience starting at $45,855
• Platinum trim represents the pinnacle of luxury and technology, starting at $50,475

2. Ford Explorer:

• Starting MSRP of $36,685 for the base XLT trim
• Limited trim elevates comfort and features, starting at $47,070
• Platinum trim offers the ultimate in luxury and performance, starting at $55,530

The Verdict: A Triumph of Space, Power, and Refinement

In the grand battle of three-row SUVs, the Toyota Grand Highlander emerges as the victor, showcasing a harmonious blend of spaciousness, power, and refinement. Its cavernous interior, potent powertrains, and comprehensive safety features make it an ideal choice for families seeking a versatile and capable SUV. While the Ford Explorer offers strong performance and a comfortable cabin, its slightly higher price point and less generous cargo space relegate it to a close second place.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

• The Toyota Grand Highlander boasts a roomier interior with more legroom and headroom in all three rows.

2. Which SUV offers a more powerful engine?

• The Ford Explorer’s available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Toyota Grand Highlander’s engines.

3. Which SUV gets better fuel economy?

• The Toyota Grand Highlander’s hybrid powertrain delivers superior fuel efficiency compared to the Ford Explorer’s hybrid powertrain.

4. Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

• Both SUVs offer comprehensive safety features, but the Toyota Grand Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite includes more advanced technologies.

5. Which SUV is more affordable?

• The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a slightly lower starting price than the Ford Explorer.