The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander represent two giants in the midsize SUV market, competing head-to-head for dominance. Both vehicles boast a reputation for reliability, versatility, and modern features, making them top contenders for families and adventure seekers. However, while they share similarities in purpose, their design philosophies and targeted audiences differ significantly.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore the nuances of these two models to help you determine which SUV best suits your needs. From design and performance to technology, safety, and overall value, this guide provides all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Design and Styling
Design is often the first factor that draws potential buyers to a vehicle. The exterior and interior aesthetics of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander reflect their respective brands’ identities and philosophies.
Ford Explorer: Rugged and Bold
The Ford Explorer’s design speaks to its rugged heritage and adventurous spirit. With its sharp lines, aggressive grille, and muscular proportions, the Explorer has a commanding road presence. It embraces a traditional SUV aesthetic that appeals to those who enjoy a bold, outdoorsy look.
Ford offers a variety of trim levels, including the base, XLT, Limited, ST-Line, Timberline, and the high-end Platinum. Each trim introduces distinct exterior elements, such as off-road enhancements for the Timberline or sporty features like blacked-out accents and large wheels on the ST-Line. These options make the Explorer highly customisable to individual tastes.
Toyota Highlander: Sleek and Modern
The Toyota Highlander takes a different approach, offering a refined and contemporary design. Its aerodynamic silhouette, sculpted body lines, and elegant front fascia create a polished, modern appearance. Toyota’s design language favours curves and subtle sophistication over the Explorer’s angular aggressiveness.
Like the Explorer, the Highlander offers several trims, such as the L, LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and luxurious Platinum. The XSE adds sporty styling elements, including a mesh grille and twin-tip exhausts, while the Platinum trim showcases chrome accents and premium finishes. This diversity allows buyers to choose a Highlander that matches their style preferences.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Performance and Handling
Regarding performance, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander cater to different driving experiences. Both offer multiple powertrains to accommodate various needs but prioritise distinct qualities.
Engine Options: Power vs. Efficiency
The Ford Explorer offers a broader range of engine options, catering to drivers seeking power and versatility. Its base engine is a robust 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more excellent performance, the ST trim features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, producing an impressive 400 horsepower.
The Explorer also includes a hybrid option, combining a 3.3-litre V6 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower. This hybrid variant balances power and efficiency, making it suitable for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to sacrifice performance.
The Toyota Highlander, in contrast, focuses more on fuel efficiency, particularly with its hybrid offerings. Its standard engine is a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While less potent than the Explorer’s base engine, it provides sufficient performance for daily driving.
The Highlander Hybrid, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivers 243 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. It’s an ideal choice for those prioritising efficiency over outright power.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty vs. Comfortable
The Ford Explorer is engineered for a more dynamic driving experience. With available rear-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension in certain trims, it confidently handles corners and provides a spirited ride. The Explorer also excels in towing capacity, with a maximum rating of 5,600 pounds, ideal for those needing to tow boats, trailers, or other heavy loads.
The Toyota Highlander emphasises comfort and smoothness on the road. Its suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and provide a serene ride, making it well-suited for family trips and long-distance travel. Although its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is slightly lower than the Explorer’s, it remains adequate for most recreational purposes.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Interior Comfort and Space
Interior space and comfort are critical considerations for families and those frequently travelling with passengers.
Ford Explorer: Spacious and Functional
The Ford Explorer’s cabin is designed for versatility. It offers three rows of seating and can accommodate up to seven passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs, available in higher trims, add a touch of luxury while improving accessibility to the third row.
Cargo space is one of the Explorer’s strengths. With all seats in place, it provides a respectable 515 litres of storage, expanding to a generous 2,486 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. This ample capacity makes the Explorer ideal for carrying luggage, sports equipment, or camping gear.
Toyota Highlander: Comfort-First Approach
The Toyota Highlander also features a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers with the bench seat option or seven with captain’s chairs. The Highlander’s interior is known for its high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements, ensuring a pleasant experience for all occupants.
However, its third-row seating is slightly tighter than the Explorer’s, making it more suitable for children or shorter trips. Cargo space is slightly less than the Explorer’s, offering 453 litres with all seats up and 2,387 litres with the rear rows folded. Despite this, the Highlander’s practicality remains commendable.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Technology and Infotainment
Modern SUVs are expected to deliver cutting-edge technology, and both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander meet this demand with robust infotainment and connectivity features.
Ford Explorer: Advanced and Intuitive
The Ford Explorer features the SYNC 4 infotainment system, which is praised for its user-friendly interface and responsive touchscreen. Standard features include an 8-inch display, while higher trims offer a 10.1-inch portrait-oriented screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration ensure seamless smartphone connectivity.
Premium options, such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, enhance the driving experience. Rear-seat entertainment systems are also available, keeping passengers entertained on long journeys.
Toyota Highlander: Polished and Comprehensive
The Toyota Highlander infotainment system is equally impressive. It has an 8-inch touchscreen and an optional 12.3-inch display on higher trims. It also supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration.
The Highlander offers a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a JBL premium sound system in its higher trims. While its interface is slightly less intuitive than Ford’s SYNC 4, it remains a strong contender in the technology department.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Safety Features
Safety is a cornerstone of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, and their advanced driver-assistance systems reflect this commitment.
Ford Explorer: Comprehensive Assistance
The Ford Explorer includes the Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, offering features such as:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Lane-keeping assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Higher trims add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a 360-degree camera system, and parking assist, making the Explorer a well-rounded choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Toyota Highlander: A Step Ahead
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard in the Highlander, offering an extensive suite of features:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Lane tracing assists with highway driving.
- Adaptive cruise control with road sign recognition.
The Highlander’s emphasis on safety across all trims gives it an edge, particularly for buyers seeking maximum protection at any price point.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Pricing and Value
The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are priced competitively, with slight variations depending on trim and features.
The Explorer’s base model starts at around £38,000, while the Highlander’s starts at approximately £40,000. While the Explorer offers more affordable entry-level options, the Highlander provides better standard features, particularly safety and efficiency.
Final Verdict: Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander comes down to your specific needs. The Explorer’s powerful engine options, sporty handling, and superior towing capacity make it ideal for adventure enthusiasts and performance-focused buyers. On the other hand, the Highlander’s exceptional fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and advanced safety features cater to families prioritising comfort and practicality.
Both SUVs are excellent choices, and the final decision depends on whether you prioritise power and capability or efficiency and refinement. Regardless of your choice, both vehicles deliver the reliability, features, and value expected from their respective brands.
FAQs
Which SUV is better for families, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
Both are excellent for families, but the Toyota Highlander’s superior fuel efficiency and advanced safety features make it more family-friendly. The Ford Explorer offers more cargo space and towing capacity, which may benefit larger families or those with active lifestyles.
How do the towing capacities of the Explorer and Highlander compare?
The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds, making it better for towing heavy loads. The Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, sufficient for most family needs.
Which SUV has more space for passengers and cargo?
The Ford Explorer offers slightly more cargo space and a roomier third row for passengers. However, the Highlander provides a comfortable and practical interior, ideal for families with more minor children.
Which SUV has better technology and infotainment?
Both SUVs feature modern infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Explorer’s SYNC 4 system is more intuitive, while the Highlander offers a polished interface and additional features like a head-up display.