Toyota Highlander Vs Explorer: Battle Of The Three-row Suvs: Which One Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to choosing a reliable and capable SUV, the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer are two of the top contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a suite of advanced features. However, there are some key differences between these two SUVs that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of the Toyota Highlander vs Explorer to help you make an informed choice.

Powertrain and Performance

The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The V6 engine produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid system generates a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, comes standard with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also offers an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander hybrid takes the lead with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway. The V6 model gets 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway, while the Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine achieves 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The Explorer with the 3.0-liter V6 engine has slightly lower fuel economy at 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

Interior and Comfort

The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer offer spacious and comfortable interiors with seating for up to eight passengers. Both SUVs feature well-appointed cabins with high-quality materials and intuitive infotainment systems. The Highlander has a slightly larger interior than the Explorer, with more headroom and legroom in both rows. It also offers more cargo space behind the third row of seats, making it a better choice for families who need to transport a lot of gear.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer both come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. These include airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. The Highlander offers a few more standard features than the Explorer, such as lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Both SUVs also offer a variety of available driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors.

Off-Road Capability

If you’re planning on taking your SUV off the beaten path, the Ford Explorer has a slight edge over the Toyota Highlander. The Explorer offers a more rugged suspension and a higher ground clearance, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain. It also has a terrain management system that allows you to select different driving modes for different conditions. The Highlander, on the other hand, is more suited for on-road driving, but it can still handle light off-road trails.

Price and Warranty

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420, while the Ford Explorer starts at $36,685. Both SUVs offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the final price will depend on your specific configuration. The Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Explorer has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Highlander is a great choice for families who need a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a long list of standard features. The Explorer is a good option for those who want a more rugged SUV with better off-road capability. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

The Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Explorer

After a thorough comparison of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, we believe that the Highlander is the better choice for most buyers. It offers a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a longer list of standard features. It’s also more reliable and has a lower cost of ownership. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged SUV with better off-road capability, the Explorer is a good option.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

The Toyota Highlander hybrid has better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway compared to the Explorer’s 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the Ford Explorer, with more headroom and legroom in both rows. It also offers more cargo space behind the third row of seats.

3. Which SUV has a better warranty, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer both have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Highlander comes with an additional 2-year/25,000-mile roadside assistance plan.