Toyota Highlander Vs Ford Explorer: A Detailed Look At Reliability Scores – Discover The Winner!

When it comes to choosing a reliable SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a solid reputation for dependability. But when it comes to Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer reliability, which one comes out on top? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the reliability ratings of these two SUVs and help you decide which one is the better choice for you.

Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: Reliability Ratings

To get a better understanding of the reliability of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, we can turn to J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The VDS is a widely respected study that measures the number of problems experienced by owners of three-year-old vehicles. The lower the score, the better the reliability.

In the 2023 VDS, the Toyota Highlander received a score of 83 out of 100, while the Ford Explorer received a score of 78 out of 100. This means that the Highlander is considered to be more reliable than the Explorer, with owners reporting fewer problems.

Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: Common Problems

While both the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are generally reliable vehicles, they do have some common problems that have been reported by owners.

Toyota Highlander:

• Transmission problems: Some owners have reported problems with the Highlander’s transmission, including slipping gears and rough shifting.
• Brake problems: Another common problem with the Highlander is brake issues, such as squealing brakes and premature wear.
• Electrical problems: Electrical problems, such as flickering lights and malfunctioning power windows, have also been reported by some Highlander owners.

Ford Explorer:

• Engine problems: Some Explorer owners have reported problems with the SUV’s engine, including knocking noises and excessive oil consumption.
• Transmission problems: Transmission problems, such as slipping gears and shuddering, have also been reported by some Explorer owners.
• Suspension problems: Suspension problems, such as noisy struts and leaking shocks, are another common issue with the Explorer.

Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: Maintenance Costs

Another factor to consider when comparing the reliability of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer is the cost of maintenance. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for the Highlander is $516, while the average annual maintenance cost for the Explorer is $696. This means that the Highlander is cheaper to maintain than the Explorer over the long run.

Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: Warranty Coverage

Both the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer come with a comprehensive warranty package that includes:

• Basic warranty: The basic warranty covers most components of the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Powertrain warranty: The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Corrosion warranty: The corrosion warranty covers the vehicle against rust and perforation for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: Which One is Right for You?

So, which SUV is the better choice for you, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer? Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a reliable SUV with a low cost of ownership, the Toyota Highlander is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a SUV with more powerful engine options and more off-road capability, the Ford Explorer is a better choice.

Beyond Reliability: Other Factors to Consider

In addition to reliability, there are a number of other factors you may want to consider when choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, including:

• Price: The Highlander and Explorer are priced similarly, but the Highlander typically has a lower starting price.
• Fuel economy: The Highlander gets better gas mileage than the Explorer, especially in the city.
• Performance: The Explorer has more powerful engine options than the Highlander, but the Highlander is more agile and fun to drive.
• Features: The Highlander and Explorer offer a similar range of features, but the Highlander typically comes with more standard features.
• Cargo space: The Highlander has more cargo space than the Explorer behind the third row of seats.

Wrapping Up: Making the Right Choice

The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. When it comes to reliability, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Explorer. However, the Explorer offers more powerful engine options and more off-road capability. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV is more reliable, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

A: According to J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Ford Explorer. The Highlander received a score of 83 out of 100 in the 2023 VDS, while the Explorer received a score of 78 out of 100.

Q: What are some common problems with the Toyota Highlander?

A: Some common problems with the Toyota Highlander include transmission problems, brake problems, and electrical problems.

Q: What are some common problems with the Ford Explorer?

A: Some common problems with the Ford Explorer include engine problems, transmission problems, and suspension problems.

Q: Which SUV has a lower cost of ownership, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

A: The Toyota Highlander has a lower cost of ownership than the Ford Explorer. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for the Highlander is $516, while the average annual maintenance cost for the Explorer is $696.

Q: Which SUV has a better warranty, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

A: The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer both come with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a basic warranty, powertrain warranty, and corrosion warranty.