Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
Engine & Performance

The Ford Explorer boasts a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine, available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, delivering a powerful 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the Toyota Highlander comes with a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo engine, offering 265 horsepower and the same torque. Interested in a hybrid? Both the Highlander and Explorer present hybrid options; the Explorer's hybrid engine is available in the Limited and Platinum models, which is a testament to its versatility. The Highlander, too, holds its own, offering 5 hybrid options.

Ford Explorer

• Horsepower: 300 hp
• Torque: 310 lb-ft
• Towing Capacity: 5,300 lbs

Toyota Highlander

• Horsepower: 265 hp
• Torque: 310 lb-ft
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

Exploring Trim Levels: Ford Explorer & Toyota Highlander

The Ford Explorer offers a diverse 8-trim lineup, ensuring there's a model for every driver. From the Ford Explorer Base to the more upscale Explorer Platinum, there's a trim for everyone. The Highlander, too, is very diverse and offers 11 trims that you can see below:

Ford Explorer Trims

• Base
• XLT
• ST-Line
• Timberline
• Limited
• ST
• King Ranch
• Platinum

Toyota Highlander Trims

• L
• LE
• XLE
• XSE
• Limited
• Platinum
• Hybrid LE
• Hybrid XLE
• Bronze Edition
• Hybrid Limited
• Hybrid Platinum

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
Interior & Safety Features

The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are both renowned for their impressive interior features. The Ford Explorer boasts a spacious and comfortable interior with three rows of seats, accommodating six or seven people based on the choice between the second-row captain's chairs or the bench seat. Standard amenities in the Explorer include an 8-inch touchscreen for entertainment, a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice recognition software, two USB ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The interior is further enhanced with cloth seat upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control. For those seeking more advanced technology, the Explorer offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, an upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Toyota Highlander's cabin can fit eight passengers and has second-row seats that slide for more space. It also has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and split-folding rear seats. A comfortable SUV indeed, but in our opinion, the Ford Explorer still has more to offer.

When it comes to safety features, the Ford Explorer's Ford Co-Pilot360™ covers your bases and more, from Auto High-Beam Headlamps to, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert to Pre-Collision Assist® With Automatic Emergency Braking. The Toyota Highlander's Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ does offer advanced features like; Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. While impressive, you can't ignore that the Explorer's focus on safety is superior.

Discover a New or Used Ford Explorer
at DARCARS Ford of Lanham

Are you interested in taking the Ford Explorer for a spin? Your local dealership in Lanham, MD, is ready to assist you in every step, from scheduling a test drive to securing car financing by completing our online form. Explore our online inventory of new and used Ford Explorer models and see why it's the SUV of choice for many.

Frequently Asked Questions